Last spring frost
Apr 8
Frost Dates for Yakima, WA
First fall frost
Oct 23
Growing season
196 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Yakima, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 8 and the first fall frost is about Oct 23, giving roughly a 196-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 23 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 12 | Apr 28 | Apr 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 28 | Apr 8 | Mar 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 16 | Feb 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 25 | Feb 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 12 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 14 |
| 32°F | Apr 28 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 23 |
| 28°F | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 |
| 20°F | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 25 | Jan 13 | Jan 2 |
| 16°F | Feb 22 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 26 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 15 |
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) | Oct 1 | Oct 12 | Oct 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 9 | Oct 23 | Nov 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 3 | Nov 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 17 | Dec 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 |
| 32°F | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 |
| 28°F | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 |
| 24°F | Oct 30 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 20°F | Nov 9 | Nov 17 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 17 | Dec 26 |
| 16°F | Nov 21 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 | Jan 17 |
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: Yakima #2, Wa, about 1.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,142 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 Yakima, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Yakima, WA is about Apr 8. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Yakima, WA typically arrives about Oct 23. 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 8 on average, or Mar 23 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 196 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 98902 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026