Last spring frost
May 1
Frost Dates for Malone, WA
First fall frost
Oct 14
Growing season
169 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Malone, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 1 and the first fall frost is about Oct 14, giving roughly a 169-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 11 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Jun 11 | May 19 | May 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 19 | May 1 | Apr 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 3 | Apr 3 | Mar 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 1 | Jan 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 11 | Jun 2 | May 29 | May 25 | May 19 | May 15 | May 10 | May 6 | May 1 |
| 32°F | May 19 | May 11 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 11 |
| 28°F | May 3 | Apr 25 | Apr 18 | Apr 10 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 18 | Mar 8 |
| 24°F | Apr 2 | Mar 23 | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 | Jan 21 |
| 20°F | Mar 2 | Feb 24 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Jan 31 | Jan 16 | Jan 1 | Dec 19 | Dec 4 |
| 16°F | Feb 19 | Feb 9 | Jan 28 | Jan 7 | Dec 28 | Dec 19 | Dec 12 | Dec 7 | Dec 1 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 12 | Sep 29 | Oct 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 29 | Oct 14 | Nov 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 10 | Nov 2 | Nov 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 24 | Jan 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 12 | Sep 18 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 15 |
| 32°F | Sep 29 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 4 |
| 28°F | Oct 10 | Oct 18 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 27 |
| 24°F | Oct 31 | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 14 | Jan 2 |
| 20°F | Nov 11 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 | Jan 1 | Jan 17 | Feb 8 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Jan 3 | Jan 28 | Feb 12 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Elma, Wa, about 4.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 70 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Malone, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Malone, WA is about May 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 11.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Malone, WA typically arrives about Oct 14. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around May 1 on average, or Apr 11 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 169 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 98559 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026