Last spring frost
Apr 28
Frost Dates for Starbuck, WA
First fall frost
Oct 13
Growing season
168 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Starbuck, WA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 28 and the first fall frost is about Oct 13, giving roughly a 168-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 11 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) | Jun 3 | May 12 | Apr 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 14 | Apr 28 | Apr 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 28 | Apr 6 | Mar 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 11 | Feb 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 3 | May 27 | May 21 | May 16 | May 12 | May 9 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 28 |
| 32°F | May 14 | May 8 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 11 |
| 28°F | Apr 28 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 15 |
| 24°F | Apr 3 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 19 |
| 20°F | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 20 |
| 16°F | Mar 3 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 20 | Jan 10 | Dec 28 |
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 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 30 | Oct 13 | Oct 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 9 | Oct 25 | Nov 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 18 | Nov 6 | Nov 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 14 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 15 |
| 32°F | Sep 30 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 |
| 28°F | Oct 9 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 12 |
| 24°F | Oct 18 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 |
| 20°F | Oct 26 | Nov 3 | Nov 11 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 19 |
| 16°F | Nov 9 | Nov 20 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 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: Dayton 1 Wsw, Wa, about 15.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,557 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 Starbuck, WA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Starbuck, WA is about Apr 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 11.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Starbuck, 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 28 on average, or Apr 11 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 168 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 99359 Planting calendar → Washington frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026