Frost Dates for Charlottesville, VA 22903

Last spring frost April 16 · First fall frost October 17 · 184 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b

Frost probability for 22903

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 28April 16April 3
Fall (first frost)October 5October 17November 1

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (51.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Charlottesville, VA

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
22903April 16October 177b
22901April 14October 267b
22902April 14October 267b
22911April 14October 267b
22904April 14October 267b
22908April 14October 267b

Month by month in Charlottesville

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 16). 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 16. 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 17). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 17. 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 184-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Charlottesville, VA (ZIP 22903)?

The median last spring frost date for Charlottesville, VA (ZIP code 22903) is around April 16. 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 Charlottesville, VA?

The median first fall frost date for Charlottesville, VA is around October 17. 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 Charlottesville, VA?

The frost-free growing season in Charlottesville is about 184 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 Charlottesville, VA?

Based on frost date patterns, Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville, VA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 16). For Charlottesville, that's roughly February 20 to March 5. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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