Frost Dates for Arlington, VA 22204

Last spring frost April 9 · First fall frost October 26 · 200 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b

Frost probability for 22204

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 20April 9March 27
Fall (first frost)October 12October 26November 9

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (12.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Arlington, VA

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
22204April 9October 267b
22201April 9October 267b
22207April 9October 267b
22202April 9October 268a
22203April 9October 267b
22206April 9October 268a
22205April 10November 77b
22209April 9October 268a
22213April 10November 77b
22214April 9October 268a

Month by month in Arlington

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 9). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 9. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 26). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 26. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 200-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Arlington, VA (ZIP 22204)?

The median last spring frost date for Arlington, VA (ZIP code 22204) is around April 9. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Arlington, VA?

The median first fall frost date for Arlington, VA is around October 26. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Arlington, VA?

The frost-free growing season in Arlington is about 200 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Arlington, VA?

Based on frost date patterns, Arlington falls approximately in 7b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Arlington, VA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 9). For Arlington, that's roughly February 13 to February 27. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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