Last frost date in Columbia, MD
In Columbia, the last spring frost comes around April 5 in an average year. Wait until April 19 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 9, which leaves 218 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 27 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 19
- Average first frost
- Nov 9
- Frost-free season
- 218 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 25
Frost possible in low spots Fri night, low 36°F
Earlier than usual: the average first frost here is November 9.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2244°
- FriOct 2336°possible frost
- SatOct 2437°
- SunOct 2539°
- MonOct 2645°
- TueOct 2746°
- WedOct 2847°
Planting calendar for Columbia
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Maryland.
TomatoesApr 12–Apr 26
PumpkinsApr 19–May 3
SunflowersApr 5–Apr 26
CucumbersApr 19–Apr 26
CornApr 12–Apr 26
Sweet potatoesApr 26–May 10
WatermelonApr 19–May 3
Green beansApr 12–May 3
ZucchiniApr 12–Apr 26
OkraApr 26–May 10
PeppersApr 19–May 3
BasilApr 12–Apr 26
Butternut squashApr 12–Apr 26
CantaloupeApr 19–May 3
EggplantApr 19–May 3
PotatoesMar 8–Mar 22
OnionsFeb 22–Mar 15
CarrotsMar 15–Apr 19
LettuceMar 22–Apr 12
BroccoliMar 8–Mar 22
BeetsMar 8–Apr 19
PeasFeb 22–Mar 8
CabbageMar 8–Mar 22
RadishesMar 1–Apr 12
Brussels sproutsMar 22–Apr 5
SpinachFeb 22–Mar 15
CilantroMar 22–Apr 12
KaleMar 8–Mar 22
Collard greensMar 8–Mar 22
TurnipsMar 8–Mar 22
DillApr 5–Apr 19
CeleryApr 12–Apr 19
CauliflowerMar 22–Apr 5
LeeksMar 22–Apr 5
Swiss chardMar 22–Apr 19
ParsleyMar 22–Apr 12
Tulip bulbsOct 26–Nov 30
GarlicOct 19–Nov 23
Daffodil bulbsOct 12–Nov 23
StrawberriesMar 8–Mar 22
AsparagusMar 8–Mar 22Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 21 | Apr 5 | Apr 19 | Oct 27 | Nov 9 | Nov 24 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 10 | Mar 25 | Apr 8 | Nov 5 | Nov 21 | Dec 8 |
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 Laurel 3 W (USC00185111) sits 8.3 miles from the center of Columbia at 400 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 Columbia, MD?
The average last frost date in Columbia is April 5, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 19.
When is the first frost in Columbia?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 9. One year in ten it arrives before October 27.
How long is the growing season in Columbia?
About 218 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Columbia?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 12 to April 26. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Maryland
- North LaurelApr 5
- IlchesterApr 10
- Ellicott CityApr 2
- ElkridgeApr 10
- LaurelApr 5
- CatonsvilleMar 24
- ArbutusMar 24
- South LaurelApr 5
- FairlandApr 5
- SevernApr 10
- Milford MillApr 2
- OlneyApr 1