In Virginia, the last spring frost usually comes between April 2 and May 3, and the first fall frost between October 12 and November 7, depending on where you live. Most of Virginia is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8a.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for Virginia cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 8b | April 3 | April 11 | Nov. 7 |
| Richmond | 7b | April 9 | April 18 | Oct. 31 |
| Arlington | 7b | April 16 | April 26 | Oct. 25 |
| Newport News | 8a | April 7 | April 18 | Nov. 4 |
| Roanoke | 7b | April 9 | April 18 | Oct. 27 |
| Suffolk | 8a | April 1 | April 9 | Nov. 9 |
| Lynchburg | 7b | April 21 | May 3 | Oct. 19 |
| Harrisonburg | 7a | April 28 | May 7 | Oct. 17 |
| Leesburg | 7a | April 24 | May 7 | Oct. 19 |
| Charlottesville | 7b | April 7 | April 14 | Nov. 4 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Virginia. Among the cities above, Suffolk has the earliest last frost (around April 1) and Harrisonburg the latest (around April 28), about 4 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in Virginia
Most of Virginia is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8a. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 208 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Virginia:
- Zone 7 (about 74% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 8 (about 22% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Virginia?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Virginia, the last spring frost comes between April 2 and May 3. In Virginia Beach, it is around April 3.
When is the first frost in Virginia?
Across most of Virginia, the first fall frost comes between October 12 and November 7. In Virginia Beach, it is around November 7.
What planting zone is Virginia?
Most of Virginia is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8a. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Virginia?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Virginia Beach, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around April 11. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 8.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.