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

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Rainier Paradise Rs, 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 August 13, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By August 27, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By September 9, 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 9 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 19 Oct 26 Oct 31 Nov 5 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 22 Nov 29
First 20° Oct 10 Oct 16 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 29 Nov 2 Nov 6 Nov 11 Nov 17
First 24° Sep 22 Sep 29 Oct 3 Oct 7 Oct 11 Oct 15 Oct 19 Oct 24 Oct 30
First 28° Aug 31 Sep 7 Sep 12 Sep 17 Sep 21 Sep 25 Sep 29 Oct 4 Oct 11
First 32° Aug 6 Aug 13 Aug 18 Aug 22 Aug 27 Aug 31 Sep 4 Sep 9 Sep 16
First 36° Jul 30 Aug 3 Aug 7 Aug 10 Aug 13 Aug 16 Aug 19 Aug 23 Aug 28

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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