Frost dates for 24483Vesuvius, VA
The average last spring frost in Vesuvius is May 2 and the average first fall frost is October 13, giving a typical growing season of about 162 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- May 2
- Average first fall frost
- Oct 13
- Growing season
- 162 days
Safer after May 21 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 1 (1-in-10 risk)
Last frost typically in 180 days
Frost risk by date
NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.
| Temperature | Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance | First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance | Growing season (50%) | Years with at least one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 29 · May 13 · May 28 | Sep 20 · Oct 3 · Oct 16 | 141 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 · May 2 · May 21 | Oct 1 · Oct 13 · Oct 27 | 162 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 7 · Apr 23 · May 7 | Oct 10 · Oct 24 · Nov 4 | 184 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Vesuvius
Planting windows from the University of Maryland Extension calendar, shifted to your average frost dates. Use them as a starting point and adjust for seed packet instructions and local conditions.
| Crop | Task | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Jun 7 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | May 18 – Jun 23 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – May 2 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Jun 1 – Jul 2 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Apr 18 – May 17 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Jun 1 – Jul 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Jun 1 – Jul 3 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | May 18 – Jul 2 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Jun 1 – Jul 2 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | May 18 – Jul 26 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | May 18 – Jun 23 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Jun 1 – Jul 2 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | May 25 – Jun 17 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 1 – May 17 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Apr 1 – Jun 1 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Feb 18 – Mar 17 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Apr 18 – May 17 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Mar 14 – Apr 17 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Apr 18 – May 17 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jun 13 – Jun 23 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 13 – Jul 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Mar 4 – Apr 1 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Apr 1 – May 2 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jun 3 – Jul 3 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 3 – Aug 3 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 1 – Jun 17 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 3 – Aug 19 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 25 – May 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 20 – Aug 24 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 1 – May 22 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 3 – Sep 3 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 18 – May 8 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 26 – Aug 3 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | May 2 – Jun 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 3 – Jul 19 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Oct 3 – Nov 3 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 24483 is matched to the NOAA station Montebello Fish Cultural Stn, VA, 7.3 km away, at 2,667 ft elevation (446 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montebello Fish Cultural Stn, VA (used) | 2,667 ft | May 2 | Oct 13 |
| Lexington, VA | 1,097 ft | Apr 23 | Oct 23 |
| Tye Rvr 1 Se, VA | 720 ft | Apr 15 | Oct 25 |
| Staunton Wtp, VA | 169 ft | Apr 15 | Oct 27 |
Frost dates near Vesuvius
- Fairfield, VA 24435 · last Apr 23, first Oct 23
- Raphine, VA 24472 · last Apr 23, first Oct 23
- Montebello, VA 24464 · last May 2, first Oct 13
- Tyro, VA 22976 · last May 2, first Oct 13
- Brownsburg, VA 24415 · last Apr 23, first Oct 23
- Steeles Tavern, VA 24476 · last May 2, first Oct 13
- Buena Vista, VA 24416 · last Apr 23, first Oct 23
- Rockbridge Baths, VA 24473 · last Apr 23, first Oct 23
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Vesuvius, VA?
- For ZIP code 24483, the average last spring frost (32°F) is May 2, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Montebello Fish Cultural Stn, VA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after May 21.
- When is the first frost in Vesuvius, VA?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is October 13. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 1, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 24483?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 162 days long.
- Are these frost dates a forecast?
- No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.