Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Upper Marlboro, 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 17, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around May 4, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before April 26, 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 21 Mar 13 Mar 7 Mar 2 Feb 26 Feb 21 Feb 16 Feb 10 Feb 2
Last 20° Mar 25 Mar 19 Mar 15 Mar 12 Mar 9 Mar 6 Mar 2 Feb 26 Feb 21
Last 24° Apr 8 Apr 3 Mar 30 Mar 27 Mar 24 Mar 21 Mar 18 Mar 14 Mar 9
Last 28° Apr 17 Apr 12 Apr 9 Apr 5 Apr 3 Mar 31 Mar 28 Mar 24 Mar 19
Last 32° Apr 29 Apr 24 Apr 21 Apr 18 Apr 15 Apr 12 Apr 9 Apr 6 Apr 1
Last 36° May 17 May 13 May 10 May 7 May 4 May 2 Apr 29 Apr 26 Apr 22

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

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

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

Or enter a new zipcode:

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