Frost Dates for Chesapeake, VA 23322

Last spring frost March 30 · First fall frost November 9 · 224 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a

Frost probability for 23322

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 16March 30March 14
Fall (first frost)October 25November 9November 26

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (31.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Chesapeake, VA

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
23322March 30November 98a
23320March 26November 228a
23323March 26November 208a
23321March 26November 208a
23324March 26November 208a
23325March 26November 228a

Month by month in Chesapeake

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 30). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
FebruaryStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
MarchLast frost around March 30. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
AprilFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
MaySuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JuneHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
JulyMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberFirst fall frost approaching (around November 9). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 9. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
DecemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.

What grows in a 224-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Chesapeake, VA (ZIP 23322)?

The median last spring frost date for Chesapeake, VA (ZIP code 23322) is around March 30. 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 Chesapeake, VA?

The median first fall frost date for Chesapeake, VA is around November 9. 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 Chesapeake, VA?

The frost-free growing season in Chesapeake is about 224 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 Chesapeake, VA?

Based on frost date patterns, Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake, VA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 30). For Chesapeake, that's roughly February 3 to February 17. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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