Last frost date in Ellensburg, WA
Expect the last frost in Ellensburg around May 8. Frost after May 25 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 2, which leaves 146 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 20 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 25
- Average first frost
- Oct 2
- Frost-free season
- 146 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 23
Hard freeze likely Fri night, low 26°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2234°possible frost
- FriOct 2326°hard freeze
- SatOct 2428°hard freeze
- SunOct 2529°frost
- MonOct 2628°hard freeze
- TueOct 2728°hard freeze
Planting calendar for Ellensburg
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Washington.
TomatoesMay 15–May 29
PumpkinsMay 22–Jun 5
SunflowersMay 8–May 29
CucumbersMay 22–May 29
CornMay 15–May 29
Sweet potatoesMay 29–Jun 12
WatermelonMay 22–Jun 5
Green beansMay 15–Jun 5
ZucchiniMay 15–May 29
OkraMay 29–Jun 12
PeppersMay 22–Jun 5
BasilMay 15–May 29
Butternut squashMay 15–May 29
CantaloupeMay 22–Jun 5
EggplantMay 22–Jun 5
PotatoesApr 10–Apr 24
OnionsMar 27–Apr 17
CarrotsApr 17–May 22
LettuceApr 24–May 15
BroccoliApr 10–Apr 24
BeetsApr 10–May 22
PeasMar 27–Apr 10
CabbageApr 10–Apr 24
RadishesApr 3–May 15
Brussels sproutsApr 24–May 8
SpinachMar 27–Apr 17
CilantroApr 24–May 15
KaleApr 10–Apr 24
Collard greensApr 10–Apr 24
TurnipsApr 10–Apr 24
DillMay 8–May 22
CeleryMay 15–May 22
CauliflowerApr 24–May 8
LeeksApr 24–May 8
Swiss chardApr 24–May 22
ParsleyApr 24–May 15
Tulip bulbsSep 18–Oct 23
GarlicSep 11–Oct 16
Daffodil bulbsSep 4–Oct 16
StrawberriesApr 10–Apr 24
AsparagusApr 10–Apr 24Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 25 | May 8 | May 25 | Sep 20 | Oct 2 | Oct 14 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 6 | Oct 1 | Oct 14 | Oct 28 |
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 Ellensburg (USC00452505) sits 2.2 miles from the center of Ellensburg at 1,480 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 Ellensburg, WA?
The average last frost date in Ellensburg is May 8, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 25.
When is the first frost in Ellensburg?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 2. One year in ten it arrives before September 20.
How long is the growing season in Ellensburg?
About 146 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Ellensburg?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 15 to May 29. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Washington
- YakimaApr 8
- WenatcheeApr 4
- Moses LakeApr 27
- Maple ValleyApr 20
- Bonney LakeApr 11
- CovingtonApr 20
- RichlandApr 6
- IssaquahMar 13
- AuburnMar 20
- SammamishMar 30
- GrahamApr 11
- South HillApr 11