Last frost date in Salem, OR
Expect the last frost in Salem around April 3. Frost after April 27 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 1, which leaves 212 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 16 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 27
- Average first frost
- Nov 1
- Frost-free season
- 212 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 2
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2239°
- FriOct 2337°
- SatOct 2440°
- SunOct 2542°
- MonOct 2641°
- TueOct 2740°
Planting calendar for Salem
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Oregon.
TomatoesApr 10–Apr 24
PumpkinsApr 17–May 1
SunflowersApr 3–Apr 24
CucumbersApr 17–Apr 24
CornApr 10–Apr 24
Sweet potatoesApr 24–May 8
WatermelonApr 17–May 1
Green beansApr 10–May 1
ZucchiniApr 10–Apr 24
OkraApr 24–May 8
PeppersApr 17–May 1
BasilApr 10–Apr 24
Butternut squashApr 10–Apr 24
CantaloupeApr 17–May 1
EggplantApr 17–May 1
PotatoesMar 6–Mar 20
OnionsFeb 20–Mar 13
CarrotsMar 13–Apr 17
LettuceMar 20–Apr 10
BroccoliMar 6–Mar 20
BeetsMar 6–Apr 17
PeasFeb 20–Mar 6
CabbageMar 6–Mar 20
RadishesFeb 27–Apr 10
Brussels sproutsMar 20–Apr 3
SpinachFeb 20–Mar 13
CilantroMar 20–Apr 10
KaleMar 6–Mar 20
Collard greensMar 6–Mar 20
TurnipsMar 6–Mar 20
DillApr 3–Apr 17
CeleryApr 10–Apr 17
CauliflowerMar 20–Apr 3
LeeksMar 20–Apr 3
Swiss chardMar 20–Apr 17
ParsleyMar 20–Apr 10
Tulip bulbsOct 18–Nov 22
GarlicOct 11–Nov 15
Daffodil bulbsOct 4–Nov 15
StrawberriesMar 6–Mar 20
AsparagusMar 6–Mar 20Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 10 | Apr 3 | Apr 27 | Oct 16 | Nov 1 | Nov 23 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Jan 31 | Mar 2 | Mar 30 | Oct 30 | Nov 22 | Dec 17 |
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 Salem Mcnary Field (USW00024232) sits 1.7 miles from the center of Salem at 205 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 Salem, OR?
The average last frost date in Salem is April 3, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 27.
When is the first frost in Salem?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 1. One year in ten it arrives before October 16.
How long is the growing season in Salem?
About 212 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Salem?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 10 to April 24. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Oregon
- HayesvilleApr 3
- KeizerApr 3
- WoodburnMar 16
- AlbanyApr 17
- McMinnvilleApr 5
- NewbergMar 21
- CorvallisApr 17
- LebanonMar 14
- WilsonvilleMar 18
- SherwoodMar 21
- TualatinApr 1
- Oregon CityMar 18