Last frost date in Federal Way, WA
In Federal Way, the last spring frost comes around March 8 in an average year. Wait until March 31 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 14, which leaves 250 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 30 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Mar 31
- Average first frost
- Nov 14
- Frost-free season
- 250 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Feb 11
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2242°
- FriOct 2337°
- SatOct 2440°
- SunOct 2541°
- MonOct 2641°
- TueOct 2740°
Planting calendar for Federal Way
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Washington.
TomatoesMar 15–Mar 29
PumpkinsMar 22–Apr 5
SunflowersMar 8–Mar 29
CucumbersMar 22–Mar 29
CornMar 15–Mar 29
Sweet potatoesMar 29–Apr 12
WatermelonMar 22–Apr 5
Green beansMar 15–Apr 5
ZucchiniMar 15–Mar 29
OkraMar 29–Apr 12
PeppersMar 22–Apr 5
BasilMar 15–Mar 29
Butternut squashMar 15–Mar 29
CantaloupeMar 22–Apr 5
EggplantMar 22–Apr 5
PotatoesFeb 8–Feb 22
OnionsJan 25–Feb 15
CarrotsFeb 15–Mar 22
LettuceFeb 22–Mar 15
BroccoliFeb 8–Feb 22
BeetsFeb 8–Mar 22
PeasJan 25–Feb 8
CabbageFeb 8–Feb 22
RadishesFeb 1–Mar 15
Brussels sproutsFeb 22–Mar 8
SpinachJan 25–Feb 15
CilantroFeb 22–Mar 15
KaleFeb 8–Feb 22
Collard greensFeb 8–Feb 22
TurnipsFeb 8–Feb 22
DillMar 8–Mar 22
CeleryMar 15–Mar 22
CauliflowerFeb 22–Mar 8
LeeksFeb 22–Mar 8
Swiss chardFeb 22–Mar 22
ParsleyFeb 22–Mar 15
Tulip bulbsOct 31–Dec 5
GarlicOct 24–Nov 28
Daffodil bulbsOct 17–Nov 28
StrawberriesFeb 8–Feb 22
AsparagusFeb 8–Feb 22Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Feb 15 | Mar 8 | Mar 31 | Oct 30 | Nov 14 | Dec 2 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 29 | Feb 11 | Mar 4 | Nov 8 | Dec 1 | Jan 1 |
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 Tacoma #1 (USC00458278) sits 5.7 miles from the center of Federal Way at 25 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 Federal Way, WA?
The average last frost date in Federal Way is March 8, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after March 31.
When is the first frost in Federal Way?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 14. One year in ten it arrives before October 30.
How long is the growing season in Federal Way?
About 250 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Federal Way?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 15 to March 29. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Washington
- Des MoinesMar 2
- AuburnMar 20
- TacomaMar 8
- KentMar 20
- SeaTacMar 2
- PuyallupApr 11
- Bonney LakeApr 11
- BurienMar 2
- CovingtonApr 20
- TukwilaMar 2
- University PlaceMar 11
- ParklandMar 8