Frost Dates for Washington, DC 20542
Washington has 55 ZIP codes. The Washington, DC frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost April 9 · First fall frost October 26 · 200 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b
Frost probability for 20542
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 20 | April 9 | March 27 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 12 | October 26 | November 9 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (5.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Washington
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start 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. |
| March | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| April | Last frost around April 9. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| July | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| August | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 26). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | First frost around October 26. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean 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 20542)?
The median last spring frost date for Washington, DC (ZIP code 20542) 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 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 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.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Washington, DC 20008 (1.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Washington, DC 20001 (2.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Takoma Park, MD 20912 (3.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Washington, DC 20016 (3.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Washington, DC 20002 (3.4 mi)
- When to plant in Washington, DC: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in DC
- Look up another ZIP