Last spring frost
May 30
Frost Dates for Cheney, WA
First fall frost
Sep 4
Growing season
94 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Cheney, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 30 and the first fall frost is about Sep 4, giving roughly a 94-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 9 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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Jul 13 | May 30 | May 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 22 | May 5 | Apr 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 5 | Apr 13 | Mar 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Jul 13 | Jun 23 | Jun 13 | Jun 4 | May 30 | May 26 | May 21 | May 16 | May 9 |
| 28°F | May 22 | May 16 | May 12 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 18 |
| 24°F | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 20 | Apr 13 | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 16 |
| 20°F | Apr 19 | Apr 5 | Mar 29 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 |
| 16°F | Mar 23 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 |
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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Aug 21 | Sep 4 | Sep 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 2 | Sep 15 | Oct 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 12 | Oct 1 | Oct 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Aug 21 | Aug 26 | Aug 30 | Sep 1 | Sep 4 | Sep 6 | Sep 9 | Sep 13 | Sep 19 |
| 28°F | Sep 2 | Sep 6 | Sep 9 | Sep 12 | Sep 15 | Sep 18 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Oct 3 |
| 24°F | Sep 12 | Sep 18 | Sep 22 | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 14 | Oct 22 |
| 20°F | Sep 28 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Nov 2 | Nov 10 |
| 16°F | Oct 10 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 22 | Dec 1 |
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: Spokane 17 Ssw, Wa, about 3.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,267 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 Cheney, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Cheney, WA is about May 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 9.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Cheney, WA typically arrives about Sep 4. 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 May 30 on average, or May 9 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 94 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 99004 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026