Last frost date in Bowie, MD
In Bowie, the last spring frost comes around April 22 in an average year. Wait until May 9 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 22, which leaves 183 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 7 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 9
- Average first frost
- Oct 22
- Frost-free season
- 183 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 7
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2246°
- FriOct 2339°
- SatOct 2440°
- SunOct 2541°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2748°
- WedOct 2848°
Planting calendar for Bowie
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Maryland.
TomatoesApr 29–May 13
PumpkinsMay 6–May 20
SunflowersApr 22–May 13
CucumbersMay 6–May 13
CornApr 29–May 13
Sweet potatoesMay 13–May 27
WatermelonMay 6–May 20
Green beansApr 29–May 20
ZucchiniApr 29–May 13
OkraMay 13–May 27
PeppersMay 6–May 20
BasilApr 29–May 13
Butternut squashApr 29–May 13
CantaloupeMay 6–May 20
EggplantMay 6–May 20
PotatoesMar 25–Apr 8
OnionsMar 11–Apr 1
CarrotsApr 1–May 6
LettuceApr 8–Apr 29
BroccoliMar 25–Apr 8
BeetsMar 25–May 6
PeasMar 11–Mar 25
CabbageMar 25–Apr 8
RadishesMar 18–Apr 29
Brussels sproutsApr 8–Apr 22
SpinachMar 11–Apr 1
CilantroApr 8–Apr 29
KaleMar 25–Apr 8
Collard greensMar 25–Apr 8
TurnipsMar 25–Apr 8
DillApr 22–May 6
CeleryApr 29–May 6
CauliflowerApr 8–Apr 22
LeeksApr 8–Apr 22
Swiss chardApr 8–May 6
ParsleyApr 8–Apr 29
Tulip bulbsOct 8–Nov 12
GarlicOct 1–Nov 5
Daffodil bulbsSep 24–Nov 5
StrawberriesMar 25–Apr 8
AsparagusMar 25–Apr 8Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 3 | Apr 22 | May 9 | Oct 7 | Oct 22 | Nov 6 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 23 | Apr 7 | Apr 30 | Oct 16 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 |
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 Glenn Dale Bell Station (USC00183675) sits 3.6 miles from the center of Bowie at 150 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 Bowie, MD?
The average last frost date in Bowie is April 22, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 9.
When is the first frost in Bowie?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 22. One year in ten it arrives before October 7.
How long is the growing season in Bowie?
About 183 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Bowie?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 29 to May 13. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Maryland
- CroftonApr 22
- OdentonApr 10
- LandoverMar 29
- GreenbeltApr 10
- South LaurelApr 5
- College ParkApr 10
- HyattsvilleMar 29
- LaurelApr 5
- SuitlandMar 29
- AnnapolisMar 27
- SevernApr 10
- ChillumMar 29