Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Clarksville, MD

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring

As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.

While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.

Key dates for your spring planting:

  • By May 28, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around May 11, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before April 29, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them

If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Mar 22 Mar 17 Mar 12 Mar 9 Mar 6 Mar 2 Feb 27 Feb 23 Feb 17
Last 20° Apr 6 Mar 31 Mar 26 Mar 21 Mar 18 Mar 14 Mar 9 Mar 5 Feb 26
Last 24° Apr 19 Apr 13 Apr 9 Apr 6 Apr 2 Mar 30 Mar 27 Mar 23 Mar 17
Last 28° May 1 Apr 26 Apr 21 Apr 18 Apr 15 Apr 11 Apr 8 Apr 3 Mar 29
Last 32° May 17 May 11 May 7 May 3 Apr 30 Apr 27 Apr 23 Apr 19 Apr 13
Last 36° May 28 May 22 May 18 May 14 May 11 May 7 May 4 Apr 29 Apr 23

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Clarksville, MD, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.

The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:

1
Early warning: Around October 3, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 15, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 26, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past October 26 without a freezing night

These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Nov 7 Nov 17 Nov 25 Dec 1 Dec 7 Dec 13 Dec 19 Dec 27 Jan 6
First 20° Oct 31 Nov 7 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 21 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 6 Dec 13
First 24° Oct 16 Oct 24 Oct 30 Nov 3 Nov 8 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 23 Dec 1
First 28° Oct 6 Oct 13 Oct 17 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 28 Nov 1 Nov 6 Nov 12
First 32° Sep 27 Oct 3 Oct 7 Oct 11 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 22 Oct 26 Nov 1
First 36° Sep 16 Sep 21 Sep 25 Sep 29 Oct 2 Oct 5 Oct 8 Oct 12 Oct 18

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.