Last spring frost
Apr 27
Frost Dates for Pe Ell, WA
First fall frost
Oct 22
Growing season
178 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Pe Ell, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 27 and the first fall frost is about Oct 22, giving roughly a 178-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 2 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 7 | May 17 | Apr 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 18 | Apr 27 | Apr 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 20 | Mar 25 | Feb 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 21 | Feb 19 | Dec 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 7 | May 31 | May 28 | May 22 | May 17 | May 12 | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 27 |
| 32°F | May 18 | May 9 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 2 |
| 28°F | Apr 20 | Apr 11 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 |
| 24°F | Mar 21 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Jan 31 | Jan 11 | Dec 21 |
| 20°F | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 16 | Feb 4 | Jan 28 | Jan 10 | Dec 31 | Dec 16 | Dec 3 |
| 16°F | Feb 23 | Feb 12 | Feb 1 | Jan 21 | Jan 8 | Jan 1 | Dec 29 | Dec 10 | 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 15 | Oct 3 | Oct 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 3 | Oct 22 | Nov 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 12 | Dec 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 8 | Dec 10 | Feb 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 15 | Sep 23 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 22 |
| 32°F | Oct 3 | Oct 8 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 3 | Nov 11 |
| 28°F | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Dec 2 | Dec 16 |
| 24°F | Nov 8 | Nov 17 | Nov 25 | Dec 2 | Dec 10 | Dec 22 | Jan 1 | Jan 13 | Feb 8 |
| 20°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 21 | Dec 30 | Jan 8 | Jan 23 | Feb 9 | Feb 21 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 3 | Jan 17 | Jan 26 | Feb 4 | Feb 20 |
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: Grays Rvr Hatchery, Wa, about 15.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 100 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 Pe Ell, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Pe Ell, WA is about Apr 27. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Pe Ell, WA typically arrives about Oct 22. 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 Apr 27 on average, or Apr 2 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 178 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 98572 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026