Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Cle Elum, WA

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 June 29, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around June 9, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before May 27, 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 15 Mar 7 Mar 1 Feb 23 Feb 19 Feb 14 Feb 8 Feb 2 Jan 25
Last 20° Apr 7 Mar 29 Mar 23 Mar 17 Mar 12 Mar 6 Mar 1 Feb 22 Feb 13
Last 24° Apr 29 Apr 22 Apr 16 Apr 12 Apr 8 Apr 3 Mar 30 Mar 24 Mar 17
Last 28° May 14 May 9 May 6 May 2 Apr 30 Apr 27 Apr 24 Apr 20 Apr 15
Last 32° Jun 9 Jun 2 May 28 May 24 May 20 May 16 May 12 May 7 Apr 30
Last 36° Jun 29 Jun 22 Jun 17 Jun 13 Jun 9 Jun 5 Jun 1 May 27 May 20

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Cle Elum, WA, 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 September 7, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By September 17, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By September 27, 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 September 27 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° Oct 29 Nov 7 Nov 14 Nov 19 Nov 25 Nov 30 Dec 6 Dec 12 Dec 22
First 20° Oct 17 Oct 25 Oct 30 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 12 Nov 17 Nov 22 Nov 30
First 24° Oct 1 Oct 6 Oct 10 Oct 13 Oct 16 Oct 19 Oct 22 Oct 26 Oct 31
First 28° Sep 15 Sep 20 Sep 24 Sep 27 Sep 30 Oct 3 Oct 6 Oct 10 Oct 15
First 32° Sep 2 Sep 7 Sep 11 Sep 14 Sep 17 Sep 20 Sep 23 Sep 27 Oct 2
First 36° Aug 25 Aug 30 Sep 2 Sep 5 Sep 8 Sep 11 Sep 14 Sep 17 Sep 22

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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