Last spring frost
Apr 26
Frost Dates for Vancouver, WA
First fall frost
Oct 18
Growing season
177 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Vancouver, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 26 and the first fall frost is about Oct 18, giving roughly a 177-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 7 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 30 | May 10 | Apr 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 10 | Apr 26 | Apr 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 20 | Mar 30 | Mar 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 26 | Feb 28 | Feb 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 30 | May 24 | May 19 | May 14 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | May 2 | Apr 28 |
| 32°F | May 10 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 7 |
| 28°F | Apr 20 | Apr 13 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 8 |
| 24°F | Mar 26 | Mar 18 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 1 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 13 | Feb 4 | Jan 26 | Jan 12 | Jan 1 | Dec 17 |
| 16°F | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 2 | Jan 20 | Jan 4 | Dec 28 | Dec 20 | 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 14 | Oct 1 | Oct 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 18 | Nov 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 16 | Nov 4 | Nov 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 26 | Dec 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 14 | Sep 21 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 13 | Oct 22 |
| 32°F | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 8 |
| 28°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 28 |
| 24°F | Oct 28 | Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 12 | Dec 23 |
| 20°F | Nov 12 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 3 | Jan 28 |
| 16°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 30 | Jan 9 | Jan 28 | Feb 13 |
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: Vancouver 4 Nne, Wa, about 3.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 210 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 Vancouver, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Vancouver, WA is about Apr 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Vancouver, WA typically arrives about Oct 18. 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 26 on average, or Apr 7 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 98660 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026