Last frost date in Lakewood, WA

Average last frost
March 11

Expect the last frost in Lakewood around March 11. Frost after April 2 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 21, which leaves 254 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 3 happens one year in ten.

Safe after (10% risk)
Apr 2
Average first frost
Nov 21
Frost-free season
254 days
Hard freeze (28°F) ends
Feb 13
Next 6 nights in Lakewood

Frost possible in low spots Fri night, low 35°F

Earlier than usual: the average first frost here is November 21.

National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC

  1. ThuOct 2240°
  2. FriOct 2335°possible frost
  3. SatOct 2437°
  4. SunOct 2538°
  5. MonOct 2638°
  6. TueOct 2738°
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecLast frost Mar 11First frost Nov 21254 frost-free daysBlue: chance of 32°F frost. Green: average frost-free season.JFMAMJJASOND254 frost-free days
Frost risk through the year at Tacoma Narrows Airport, 7.5 miles from Lakewood.

Planting calendar for Lakewood

Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Washington.

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost
Warm-season crops
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
TomatoesMar 18–Apr 1
PumpkinsMar 25–Apr 8
SunflowersMar 11–Apr 1
CucumbersMar 25–Apr 1
CornMar 18–Apr 1
Sweet potatoesApr 1–Apr 15
WatermelonMar 25–Apr 8
Green beansMar 18–Apr 8
ZucchiniMar 18–Apr 1
OkraApr 1–Apr 15
PeppersMar 25–Apr 8
BasilMar 18–Apr 1
Butternut squashMar 18–Apr 1
CantaloupeMar 25–Apr 8
EggplantMar 25–Apr 8
Cool-season crops
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
PotatoesFeb 11–Feb 25
OnionsJan 28–Feb 18
CarrotsFeb 18–Mar 25
LettuceFeb 25–Mar 18
BroccoliFeb 11–Feb 25
BeetsFeb 11–Mar 25
PeasJan 28–Feb 11
CabbageFeb 11–Feb 25
RadishesFeb 4–Mar 18
Brussels sproutsFeb 25–Mar 11
SpinachJan 28–Feb 18
CilantroFeb 25–Mar 18
KaleFeb 11–Feb 25
Collard greensFeb 11–Feb 25
TurnipsFeb 11–Feb 25
DillMar 11–Mar 25
CeleryMar 18–Mar 25
CauliflowerFeb 25–Mar 11
LeeksFeb 25–Mar 11
Swiss chardFeb 25–Mar 25
ParsleyFeb 25–Mar 18
Fall bulbs and garlic
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tulip bulbsNov 7–Dec 12
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
Perennials
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
StrawberriesFeb 11–Feb 25
AsparagusFeb 11–Feb 25

Frost probabilities

ThresholdSpring, 90% chance laterSpring, 50%Spring, 10%Fall, 10% chance earlierFall, 50%Fall, 90%
Light frost, 32°FFeb 15Mar 11Apr 2Nov 3Nov 21Dec 10
Hard freeze, 28°FJan 1Feb 13Mar 8Nov 18Dec 11Jan 19

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 Narrows Airport (USW00094274) sits 7.5 miles from the center of Lakewood at 292 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 Lakewood, WA?

The average last frost date in Lakewood is March 11, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 2.

When is the first frost in Lakewood?

The first frost in fall usually comes around November 21. One year in ten it arrives before November 3.

How long is the growing season in Lakewood?

About 254 days between the average last and first frost.

When should I plant tomatoes in Lakewood?

Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 18 to April 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.

Nearby in Washington

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