In Norfolk, VA, the average last spring frost is Mar 17 and the average first fall frost is Nov 23, which leaves about 252 frost-free days for the garden. These dates come from NOAA climate normals for the Norfolk International Airport, VA weather station, at 30 feet above sea level.
A very long season allows two full rounds of vegetables. Plant cool-season crops early and again in fall, and plan warm-season crops so they finish before the hottest part of summer. Frost timing varies from year to year: in about 1 spring in 10 the last frost falls as late as Mar 31, and in about 1 fall in 10 the first frost arrives as early as Nov 8.
Frost dates for Norfolk, VA
| Chance of a freeze (32°F) after or before this date | Last spring frost | First fall frost | Freeze-free season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimistic (about 1 year in 10) | Feb 27 | Dec 10 | 286 days |
| Average (half of years) | Mar 17 | Nov 23 | 252 days |
| Cautious (9 years in 10 are safe) | Mar 31 | Nov 8 | 222 days |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991 to 2020. Use the cautious dates for tender crops such as tomatoes and peppers.
When to plant in Norfolk, VA
These windows count weeks forward and back from the average frost dates above. They are planning guides: check the forecast before planting tender crops, and see our what to plant now tool for today's date.
| Crop | Start seeds indoors | Plant outdoors in spring | Plant in fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Jan 20 to Feb 3 | Mar 24 to Mar 31 | – |
| Peppers | Jan 6 to Jan 20 | Mar 31 to Apr 7 | – |
| Eggplant | Jan 6 to Jan 20 | Mar 31 to Apr 7 | – |
| Onions | Jan 6 to Jan 20 | Feb 17 to Mar 3 | – |
| Parsley | Jan 6 to Jan 20 | Mar 17 to Mar 24 | – |
| Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower | Jan 20 to Feb 3 | Mar 3 to Mar 10 | Aug 31 to Sep 28 |
| Basil | Feb 3 to Feb 3 | Mar 24 to Mar 31 | – |
| Peas | Sow outdoors | Feb 3 to Feb 17 | Aug 31 to Sep 28 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors | Feb 3 to Feb 17 | Sep 28 to Oct 26 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors | Feb 3 to Feb 17 | Sep 28 to Oct 26 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors | Feb 17 to Mar 3 | Sep 28 to Oct 26 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors | Feb 17 to Mar 3 | Aug 31 to Sep 28 |
| Beets | Sow outdoors | Feb 17 to Mar 3 | Aug 31 to Sep 28 |
| Potatoes | Sow outdoors | Feb 17 to Mar 3 | – |
| Kale | Sow outdoors | Feb 17 to Mar 3 | Aug 31 to Sep 28 |
| Swiss chard | Sow outdoors | Mar 3 to Mar 17 | – |
| Cilantro | Sow outdoors | Mar 3 to Mar 17 | Sep 28 to Oct 26 |
| Dill | Sow outdoors | Mar 17 to Mar 24 | – |
| Bush beans | Sow outdoors | Mar 24 to Mar 31 | Aug 20 to Sep 3 |
| Pole beans | Sow outdoors | Mar 24 to Mar 31 | – |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Mar 24 to Mar 31 | – |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Mar 24 to Mar 31 | Aug 10 to Aug 24 |
| Zucchini and summer squash | Sow outdoors | Mar 24 to Mar 31 | Aug 20 to Sep 3 |
| Winter squash | Sow outdoors | Mar 24 to Mar 31 | – |
| Sweet potatoes (slips) | Sow outdoors | Mar 31 to Apr 14 | – |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Mar 31 to Apr 14 | – |
A dash in the fall column means the crop is not usually planted in fall, or the season is too short.
Overnight lows this week
No frost is forecast in the next week, according to the National Weather Service.
| Night | Forecast low | Frost risk |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 15 night | 43°F | No frost expected |
| Mon 16 night | 41°F | No frost expected |
| Tue 17 night | 41°F | No frost expected |
| Wed 18 night | 41°F | No frost expected |
| Thu 19 night | 43°F | No frost expected |
| Fri 20 night | 45°F | No frost expected |
| Sat 21 night | 47°F | No frost expected |
Live forecast for the station location, from the National Weather Service. For your own ZIP code, use our garden weather forecast.
More garden tools for Norfolk, VA
- Frost dates by ZIP code for your exact location
- What to plant now, based on today's date
- Garden weather forecast by ZIP code
- Safe transplant date calculator
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Norfolk, VA?
The average last spring frost is Mar 17. A late frost as far out as Mar 31 happens in about 1 year in 10, so tender plants such as tomatoes and peppers are safest after that cautious date.
When is the first frost in Norfolk, VA?
The average first fall frost is Nov 23. It can arrive as early as Nov 8 in about 1 year in 10, so plan to harvest tender crops before then.
How long is the growing season in Norfolk, VA?
The average freeze-free season is about 252 days, between the average last spring frost and the average first fall frost.
Where do these dates come from?
They come from the NOAA 1991 to 2020 U.S. Climate Normals for the Norfolk International Airport, VA station. Hills, valleys, lakes and city heat can shift frost by a week or more, so compare with neighbors who garden near you.