Frost Dates for Yakima, WA 98908
Yakima has 4 ZIP codes. The Yakima, WA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost May 10 · First fall frost October 1 · 144 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
Frost probability for 98908
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 27 | May 10 | April 24 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 21 | October 1 | October 12 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (40.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Yakima
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost). |
| March | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around May 10). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| April | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| May | Last frost around May 10. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| June | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| July | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| August | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 1). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | First frost around October 1. 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 144-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Yakima, WA (ZIP 98908)?
The median last spring frost date for Yakima, WA (ZIP code 98908) is around May 10. 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 Yakima, WA?
The median first fall frost date for Yakima, WA is around October 1. 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 Yakima, WA?
The frost-free growing season in Yakima is about 144 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 Yakima, WA?
Based on frost date patterns, Yakima falls approximately in 7a. 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 Yakima, WA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around May 10). For Yakima, that's roughly March 15 to March 29. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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