Last spring frost
Apr 20
Frost Dates for Hood River, WA
First fall frost
Oct 13
Growing season
177 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Hood River, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 20 and the first fall frost is about Oct 13, giving roughly a 177-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 29 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 25 | May 7 | Apr 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 9 | Apr 20 | Mar 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 20 | Feb 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 14 | Feb 24 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 25 | May 18 | May 14 | May 10 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 |
| 32°F | May 9 | May 2 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 5 | Mar 29 |
| 28°F | Apr 10 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Mar 5 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 23 | Jan 12 | Jan 3 | Dec 18 |
| 16°F | Feb 25 | Feb 15 | Feb 5 | Jan 28 | Jan 17 | Jan 9 | Jan 3 | Dec 24 | Dec 7 |
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 1 | Oct 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 30 | Oct 13 | Nov 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 8 | Oct 28 | Nov 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 17 | Dec 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 15 | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 16 |
| 32°F | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Nov 1 |
| 28°F | Oct 8 | Oct 14 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 21 |
| 24°F | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 6 | Dec 21 |
| 20°F | Nov 6 | Nov 18 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 16 | Dec 26 | Jan 2 | Jan 26 |
| 16°F | Nov 20 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 14 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jan 22 | Feb 9 |
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: Hood Rvr Exp Stn, Or, about 9.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 500 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 Hood River, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Hood River, WA is about Apr 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Hood River, WA typically arrives about Oct 13. 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 20 on average, or Mar 29 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 177 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 98605 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026