Frost Dates for Newport News, VA 23608

Last spring frost April 1 · First fall frost October 29 · 211 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a

Frost probability for 23608

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 24April 1March 10
Fall (first frost)October 14October 29November 13

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (37.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Newport News, VA

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
23608April 1October 298a
23602April 1October 298a
23606March 26November 208a
23601March 26November 208b
23607March 26November 208b
23605March 26November 208b
23603April 1October 298a

Month by month in Newport News

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 1). 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 1. 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 29). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 29. 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 211-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Newport News, VA (ZIP 23608)?

The median last spring frost date for Newport News, VA (ZIP code 23608) is around April 1. 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 Newport News, VA?

The median first fall frost date for Newport News, VA is around October 29. 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 Newport News, VA?

The frost-free growing season in Newport News is about 211 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 Newport News, VA?

Based on frost date patterns, Newport News 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 Newport News, VA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 1). For Newport News, that's roughly February 5 to February 19. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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