Last spring frost
Apr 27
Frost Dates for Shelton, WA
First fall frost
Oct 16
Growing season
175 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Shelton, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 27 and the first fall frost is about Oct 16, giving roughly a 175-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 6 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) | May 29 | May 12 | Apr 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 12 | Apr 27 | Apr 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 25 | Mar 29 | Mar 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 26 | Feb 25 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 29 | May 23 | May 19 | May 15 | May 12 | May 8 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 |
| 32°F | May 12 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 6 |
| 28°F | Apr 25 | Apr 17 | Apr 9 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 3 |
| 24°F | Mar 26 | Mar 17 | Mar 8 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 6 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Jan 28 | Jan 13 | Jan 2 | Dec 17 | Dec 4 |
| 16°F | Feb 21 | Feb 10 | Jan 28 | Jan 8 | Dec 31 | Dec 20 | Dec 12 | Dec 5 | Nov 29 |
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 16 | Oct 1 | Oct 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 16 | Nov 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 12 | Nov 4 | Nov 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 24 | Jan 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 16 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 18 |
| 32°F | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Oct 12 | Oct 18 | Oct 24 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 |
| 24°F | Oct 29 | Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 7 | Dec 19 | Jan 3 |
| 20°F | Nov 8 | Nov 19 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 30 | Jan 15 | Feb 9 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 27 | Jan 6 | Jan 28 | Feb 16 |
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: Shelton Sanderson Fld, Wa, about 0.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 271 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 Shelton, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Shelton, WA is about Apr 27. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Shelton, WA typically arrives about Oct 16. 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 6 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 175 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 98584 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026