Last frost date in Norfolk, VA
In Norfolk, the last spring frost comes around March 16 in an average year. Wait until April 1 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 26, which leaves 255 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 8 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 1
- Average first frost
- Nov 26
- Frost-free season
- 255 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 2
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2254°
- FriOct 2350°
- SatOct 2455°
- SunOct 2554°
- MonOct 2653°
- TueOct 2757°
- WedOct 2858°
Planting calendar for Norfolk
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Virginia.
TomatoesMar 23–Apr 6
PumpkinsMar 30–Apr 13
SunflowersMar 16–Apr 6
CucumbersMar 30–Apr 6
CornMar 23–Apr 6
Sweet potatoesApr 6–Apr 20
WatermelonMar 30–Apr 13
Green beansMar 23–Apr 13
ZucchiniMar 23–Apr 6
OkraApr 6–Apr 20
PeppersMar 30–Apr 13
BasilMar 23–Apr 6
Butternut squashMar 23–Apr 6
CantaloupeMar 30–Apr 13
EggplantMar 30–Apr 13
PotatoesFeb 16–Mar 2
OnionsFeb 2–Feb 23
CarrotsFeb 23–Mar 30
LettuceMar 2–Mar 23
BroccoliFeb 16–Mar 2
BeetsFeb 16–Mar 30
PeasFeb 2–Feb 16
CabbageFeb 16–Mar 2
RadishesFeb 9–Mar 23
Brussels sproutsMar 2–Mar 16
SpinachFeb 2–Feb 23
CilantroMar 2–Mar 23
KaleFeb 16–Mar 2
Collard greensFeb 16–Mar 2
TurnipsFeb 16–Mar 2
DillMar 16–Mar 30
CeleryMar 23–Mar 30
CauliflowerMar 2–Mar 16
LeeksMar 2–Mar 16
Swiss chardMar 2–Mar 30
ParsleyMar 2–Mar 23
Tulip bulbsNov 12–Dec 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesFeb 16–Mar 2
AsparagusFeb 16–Mar 2Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Feb 26 | Mar 16 | Apr 1 | Nov 8 | Nov 26 | Dec 17 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 9 | Mar 2 | Mar 19 | Nov 21 | Dec 12 | Jan 5 |
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 Norfolk Nas (USW00013750) sits 2.8 miles from the center of Norfolk at 17 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 Norfolk, VA?
The average last frost date in Norfolk is March 16, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 1.
When is the first frost in Norfolk?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 26. One year in ten it arrives before November 8.
How long is the growing season in Norfolk?
About 255 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Norfolk?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 23 to April 6. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Virginia
- PortsmouthMar 23
- HamptonMar 24
- Virginia BeachMar 29
- Newport NewsApr 1
- SuffolkMar 27
- HopewellMar 31
- PetersburgApr 3
- ChesterApr 3
- MeadowbrookApr 3
- MechanicsvilleApr 10
- RichmondApr 3
- TuckahoeApr 10