Last spring frost
Apr 26
Frost Dates for Vancouver, WA
First fall frost
Oct 16
Growing season
174 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 16, giving roughly a 174-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 5 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 31 | May 13 | Apr 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 12 | Apr 26 | Apr 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 23 | Mar 29 | Mar 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 24 | Feb 26 | Jan 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 31 | May 26 | May 21 | May 17 | May 13 | May 10 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 29 |
| 32°F | May 12 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 5 |
| 28°F | Apr 23 | Apr 15 | Apr 8 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 4 |
| 24°F | Mar 24 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 5 | Jan 21 |
| 20°F | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 20 | Jan 8 | Dec 31 | Dec 13 |
| 16°F | Feb 22 | Feb 12 | Feb 1 | Jan 24 | Jan 8 | Dec 31 | Dec 21 | Dec 11 | 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 11 | Sep 30 | Oct 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 29 | Oct 16 | Nov 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 16 | Nov 5 | Nov 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 24 | Dec 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 11 | Sep 18 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 19 |
| 32°F | Sep 29 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Nov 1 | Nov 10 |
| 28°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 30 |
| 24°F | Oct 28 | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 13 | Dec 25 |
| 20°F | Nov 11 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 6 | Jan 31 |
| 16°F | Nov 22 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 6 | Jan 25 | 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: Battle Ground, Wa, about 7.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 284 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 5.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Vancouver, 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 26 on average, or Apr 5 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 174 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 98682 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026