Last frost date in Yakima, WA
Expect the last frost in Yakima around April 8. Frost after April 28 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 23, which leaves 196 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 9 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 28
- Average first frost
- Oct 23
- Frost-free season
- 196 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 16
Frost likely Fri night, low 32°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2240°
- FriOct 2332°frost
- SatOct 2434°possible frost
- SunOct 2534°possible frost
- MonOct 2632°frost
- TueOct 2733°possible frost
Planting calendar for Yakima
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Washington.
TomatoesApr 15–Apr 29
PumpkinsApr 22–May 6
SunflowersApr 8–Apr 29
CucumbersApr 22–Apr 29
CornApr 15–Apr 29
Sweet potatoesApr 29–May 13
WatermelonApr 22–May 6
Green beansApr 15–May 6
ZucchiniApr 15–Apr 29
OkraApr 29–May 13
PeppersApr 22–May 6
BasilApr 15–Apr 29
Butternut squashApr 15–Apr 29
CantaloupeApr 22–May 6
EggplantApr 22–May 6
PotatoesMar 11–Mar 25
OnionsFeb 25–Mar 18
CarrotsMar 18–Apr 22
LettuceMar 25–Apr 15
BroccoliMar 11–Mar 25
BeetsMar 11–Apr 22
PeasFeb 25–Mar 11
CabbageMar 11–Mar 25
RadishesMar 4–Apr 15
Brussels sproutsMar 25–Apr 8
SpinachFeb 25–Mar 18
CilantroMar 25–Apr 15
KaleMar 11–Mar 25
Collard greensMar 11–Mar 25
TurnipsMar 11–Mar 25
DillApr 8–Apr 22
CeleryApr 15–Apr 22
CauliflowerMar 25–Apr 8
LeeksMar 25–Apr 8
Swiss chardMar 25–Apr 22
ParsleyMar 25–Apr 15
Tulip bulbsOct 9–Nov 13
GarlicOct 2–Nov 6
Daffodil bulbsSep 25–Nov 6
StrawberriesMar 11–Mar 25
AsparagusMar 11–Mar 25Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 23 | Apr 8 | Apr 28 | Oct 9 | Oct 23 | Nov 5 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 28 | Mar 16 | Apr 6 | Oct 20 | Nov 3 | Nov 22 |
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 Yakima #2 (USC00459463) sits 0.9 miles from the center of Yakima at 1,142 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 Yakima, WA?
The average last frost date in Yakima is April 8, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 28.
When is the first frost in Yakima?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 23. One year in ten it arrives before October 9.
How long is the growing season in Yakima?
About 196 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Yakima?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 15 to April 29. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Washington
- EllensburgMay 8
- WenatcheeApr 4
- RichlandApr 6
- Moses LakeApr 27
- KennewickMar 28
- PascoApr 27
- Bonney LakeApr 11
- GrahamApr 11
- Maple ValleyApr 20
- South HillApr 11
- CovingtonApr 20
- PuyallupApr 11