Last frost date in Dover, DE
Expect the last frost in Dover around April 4. Frost after April 17 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 4, which leaves 214 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 23 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 17
- Average first frost
- Nov 4
- Frost-free season
- 214 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 25
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2245°
- FriOct 2339°
- SatOct 2441°
- SunOct 2541°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2749°
- WedOct 2849°
Planting calendar for Dover
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Delaware.
TomatoesApr 11–Apr 25
PumpkinsApr 18–May 2
SunflowersApr 4–Apr 25
CucumbersApr 18–Apr 25
CornApr 11–Apr 25
Sweet potatoesApr 25–May 9
WatermelonApr 18–May 2
Green beansApr 11–May 2
ZucchiniApr 11–Apr 25
OkraApr 25–May 9
PeppersApr 18–May 2
BasilApr 11–Apr 25
Butternut squashApr 11–Apr 25
CantaloupeApr 18–May 2
EggplantApr 18–May 2
PotatoesMar 7–Mar 21
OnionsFeb 21–Mar 14
CarrotsMar 14–Apr 18
LettuceMar 21–Apr 11
BroccoliMar 7–Mar 21
BeetsMar 7–Apr 18
PeasFeb 21–Mar 7
CabbageMar 7–Mar 21
RadishesFeb 28–Apr 11
Brussels sproutsMar 21–Apr 4
SpinachFeb 21–Mar 14
CilantroMar 21–Apr 11
KaleMar 7–Mar 21
Collard greensMar 7–Mar 21
TurnipsMar 7–Mar 21
DillApr 4–Apr 18
CeleryApr 11–Apr 18
CauliflowerMar 21–Apr 4
LeeksMar 21–Apr 4
Swiss chardMar 21–Apr 18
ParsleyMar 21–Apr 11
Tulip bulbsOct 21–Nov 25
GarlicOct 14–Nov 18
Daffodil bulbsOct 7–Nov 18
StrawberriesMar 7–Mar 21
AsparagusMar 7–Mar 21Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 22 | Apr 4 | Apr 17 | Oct 23 | Nov 4 | Nov 18 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 8 | Mar 25 | Apr 5 | Nov 3 | Nov 16 | Dec 3 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Dover (USC00072730) sits 1.3 miles from the center of Dover at 30 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Dover, DE?
The average last frost date in Dover is April 4, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 17.
When is the first frost in Dover?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 4. One year in ten it arrives before October 23.
How long is the growing season in Dover?
About 214 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Dover?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 11 to April 25. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Delaware
- MiddletownApr 7
- BearApr 7
- NewarkApr 7
- WilmingtonApr 7