Frost Dates for Bellingham, WA 98229
Bellingham has 3 ZIP codes. The Bellingham, WA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost March 29 · First fall frost October 30 · 215 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
Frost probability for 98229
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 22 | March 29 | March 6 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 11 | October 30 | November 19 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (25.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Bellingham
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 29). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| February | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| March | Last frost around March 29. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| April | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| June | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| July | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| August | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 30). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | First frost around October 30. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 215-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Bellingham, WA (ZIP 98229)?
The median last spring frost date for Bellingham, WA (ZIP code 98229) is around March 29. 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 Bellingham, WA?
The median first fall frost date for Bellingham, WA is around October 30. 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 Bellingham, WA?
The frost-free growing season in Bellingham is about 215 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 Bellingham, WA?
Based on frost date patterns, Bellingham falls approximately in 8a. 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 Bellingham, WA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 29). For Bellingham, that's roughly February 2 to February 16. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
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- Frost dates for Everson, WA 98247 (15 mi)
- Frost dates for Ferndale, WA 98248 (15.1 mi)
- When to plant in Bellingham, WA: month-by-month guide
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- When to plant Cucumbers in WA
- When to plant Zucchini in WA
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- When to plant Basil in WA
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- Look up another ZIP