Frost Dates for Washington, DC 20002

Last spring frost April 9 · First fall frost October 26 · 200 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a

Frost probability for 20002

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 20April 9March 27
Fall (first frost)October 12October 26November 9

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (1.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Washington, DC

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
20002April 9October 268a
20011April 9October 267b
20019April 9October 268a
20020April 9October 267b
20009April 9October 267b
20001April 9October 268a
20032April 9October 268a
20003April 9October 268a
20016April 9October 267b
20010April 9October 267b
20008April 9October 267b
20007April 9October 267b
20017April 9October 267b
20018April 9October 267b
20012April 15October 237b
20024April 9October 268a
20015April 9October 267b
20037April 9October 268a
20005April 9October 268a
20036April 9October 268a
20057April 9October 267b
20052April 9October 268a
20004April 9October 26Zone 6b
20064April 9October 267b
20006April 9October 268a
20059April 9October 26Zone 6b
20390April 9October 268a
20319April 9October 268a
20317April 9October 267b
20422April 9October 267b
20045April 9October 268a
20204April 9October 268a
20220April 9October 268a
20230April 9October 268a
20240April 9October 268a
20245April 9October 268a
20250April 9October 268a
20260April 9October 268a
20408April 9October 268a
20415April 9October 268a
20418April 9October 268a
20427April 9October 268a
20431April 9October 268a
20510April 9October 268a
20515April 9October 26Zone 6b
20520April 9October 268a
20530April 9October 268a
20535April 9October 268a
20540April 9October 268a
20542April 9October 267b
20551April 9October 268a
20560April 9October 268a
20565April 9October 268a
20566April 9October 268a
20591April 9October 268a

Month by month in Washington

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 9). 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 9. 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 26). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 26. 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 200-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Washington, DC (ZIP 20002)?

The median last spring frost date for Washington, DC (ZIP code 20002) is around April 9. 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 Washington, DC?

The median first fall frost date for Washington, DC is around October 26. 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 Washington, DC?

The frost-free growing season in Washington is about 200 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 Washington, DC?

Based on frost date patterns, Washington 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 Washington, DC?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 9). For Washington, that's roughly February 13 to February 27. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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