Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Laurel, 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 4, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around April 20, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before April 10, 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 16 Mar 7 Mar 1 Feb 23 Feb 18 Feb 13 Feb 8 Feb 2 Jan 24
Last 20° Mar 22 Mar 15 Mar 11 Mar 7 Mar 3 Feb 27 Feb 23 Feb 18 Feb 12
Last 24° Apr 5 Mar 31 Mar 27 Mar 24 Mar 21 Mar 18 Mar 15 Mar 11 Mar 6
Last 28° Apr 10 Apr 6 Apr 2 Mar 30 Mar 28 Mar 25 Mar 22 Mar 19 Mar 14
Last 32° Apr 20 Apr 16 Apr 13 Apr 10 Apr 8 Apr 5 Apr 3 Mar 31 Mar 26
Last 36° May 4 Apr 29 Apr 26 Apr 23 Apr 20 Apr 17 Apr 14 Apr 10 Apr 6

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Laurel, 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 18, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 30, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 12, 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 November 12 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 30 Dec 8 Dec 15 Dec 20 Dec 25 Dec 31 Jan 5 Jan 11 Jan 20
First 20° Nov 22 Nov 29 Dec 4 Dec 9 Dec 13 Dec 17 Dec 22 Dec 27 Jan 4
First 24° Nov 7 Nov 14 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 10 Dec 16
First 28° Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 5 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 21 Nov 26 Dec 3
First 32° Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 23 Oct 27 Oct 30 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 12 Nov 18
First 36° Oct 4 Oct 10 Oct 13 Oct 17 Oct 20 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 30 Nov 4

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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