Last frost date in University Place, WA
In University Place, the last spring frost comes around March 11 in an average year. Wait until April 2 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. 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
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2241°
- FriOct 2337°
- SatOct 2439°
- SunOct 2540°
- MonOct 2640°
- TueOct 2739°
Planting calendar for University Place
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Washington.
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
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
Tulip bulbsNov 7–Dec 12
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesFeb 11–Feb 25
AsparagusFeb 11–Feb 25Frost 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 11 | Apr 2 | Nov 3 | Nov 21 | Dec 10 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Jan 1 | Feb 13 | Mar 8 | Nov 18 | Dec 11 | Jan 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 3.8 miles from the center of University Place 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 University Place, WA?
The average last frost date in University Place 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 University Place?
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 University Place?
About 254 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in University Place?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 18 to April 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Washington
- LakewoodMar 11
- TacomaMar 8
- ParklandMar 8
- SpanawayApr 11
- Federal WayMar 8
- FredericksonApr 11
- PuyallupApr 11
- South HillApr 11
- Des MoinesMar 2
- LaceyApr 29
- AuburnMar 20
- GrahamApr 11