Frost Dates for Salem, OR 97301

Last spring frost April 7 · First fall frost October 31 · 207 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b

Frost probability for 97301

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 4April 7March 13
Fall (first frost)October 7October 31November 24

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (23.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Salem, OR

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
97301April 7October 318b
97305April 7October 318b
97302April 28October 228b
97303April 23October 248b
97304April 28October 228b
97306April 28October 228b
97317April 7October 318b
97310April 7October 318b

Month by month in Salem

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 7). 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 7. 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 31). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 31. 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 207-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Salem, OR (ZIP 97301)?

The median last spring frost date for Salem, OR (ZIP code 97301) is around April 7. 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 Salem, OR?

The median first fall frost date for Salem, OR is around October 31. 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 Salem, OR?

The frost-free growing season in Salem is about 207 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 Salem, OR?

Based on frost date patterns, Salem falls approximately in 8b. 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 Salem, OR?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 7). For Salem, that's roughly February 11 to February 25. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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