In Spokane, WA, the average last spring frost is Apr 26 and the average first fall frost is Oct 12, which leaves about 168 frost-free days for the garden. These dates come from NOAA climate normals for the Spokane International Airport, WA weather station, at 2,353 feet above sea level.
A moderate season leaves room for most vegetables. Start warm-season crops indoors for a head start, plant cool-season crops early and again in late summer, and keep row cover ready for surprise frosts. Frost timing varies from year to year: in about 1 spring in 10 the last frost falls as late as May 10, and in about 1 fall in 10 the first frost arrives as early as Sep 29.
Frost dates for Spokane, WA
| 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) | Apr 9 | Oct 28 | 202 days |
| Average (half of years) | Apr 26 | Oct 12 | 168 days |
| Cautious (9 years in 10 are safe) | May 10 | Sep 29 | 142 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 Spokane, WA
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 | Mar 1 to Mar 15 | May 3 to May 10 | – |
| Peppers | Feb 15 to Mar 1 | May 10 to May 17 | – |
| Eggplant | Feb 15 to Mar 1 | May 10 to May 17 | – |
| Onions | Feb 15 to Mar 1 | Mar 29 to Apr 12 | – |
| Parsley | Feb 15 to Mar 1 | Apr 26 to May 3 | – |
| Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower | Mar 1 to Mar 15 | Apr 12 to Apr 19 | Jul 20 to Aug 17 |
| Basil | Mar 15 to Mar 15 | May 3 to May 10 | – |
| Peas | Sow outdoors | Mar 15 to Mar 29 | Jul 20 to Aug 17 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors | Mar 15 to Mar 29 | Aug 17 to Sep 14 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors | Mar 15 to Mar 29 | Aug 17 to Sep 14 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors | Mar 29 to Apr 12 | Aug 17 to Sep 14 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors | Mar 29 to Apr 12 | Jul 20 to Aug 17 |
| Beets | Sow outdoors | Mar 29 to Apr 12 | Jul 20 to Aug 17 |
| Potatoes | Sow outdoors | Mar 29 to Apr 12 | – |
| Kale | Sow outdoors | Mar 29 to Apr 12 | Jul 20 to Aug 17 |
| Swiss chard | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 to Apr 26 | – |
| Cilantro | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 to Apr 26 | Aug 17 to Sep 14 |
| Dill | Sow outdoors | Apr 26 to May 3 | – |
| Bush beans | Sow outdoors | May 3 to May 10 | Jul 9 to Jul 23 |
| Pole beans | Sow outdoors | May 3 to May 10 | – |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | May 3 to May 10 | – |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | May 3 to May 10 | Jun 29 to Jul 13 |
| Zucchini and summer squash | Sow outdoors | May 3 to May 10 | Jul 9 to Jul 23 |
| Winter squash | Sow outdoors | May 3 to May 10 | – |
| Sweet potatoes (slips) | Sow outdoors | May 10 to May 24 | – |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | May 10 to May 24 | – |
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
The National Weather Service forecast shows frost risk on: Mon 16 night (33°F), Tue 17 night (30°F), Wed 18 night (33°F), Thu 19 night (32°F), Fri 20 night (30°F). Cover tender plants before dark on those nights.
| Night | Forecast low | Frost risk |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 14 night | 40°F | No frost expected |
| Sun 15 night | 39°F | No frost expected |
| Mon 16 night | 33°F | Frost possible |
| Tue 17 night | 30°F | Freeze |
| Wed 18 night | 33°F | Frost possible |
| Thu 19 night | 32°F | Freeze |
| Fri 20 night | 30°F | Freeze |
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 Spokane, WA
- 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 Spokane, WA?
The average last spring frost is Apr 26. A late frost as far out as May 10 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 Spokane, WA?
The average first fall frost is Oct 12. It can arrive as early as Sep 29 in about 1 year in 10, so plan to harvest tender crops before then.
How long is the growing season in Spokane, WA?
The average freeze-free season is about 168 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 Spokane International Airport, WA station. Hills, valleys, lakes and city heat can shift frost by a week or more, so compare with neighbors who garden near you.