Frost dates for 97023Estacada, OR
The average last spring frost in Estacada is March 27 and the average first fall frost is November 14, giving a typical growing season of about 230 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 27
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 14
- Growing season
- 230 days
Safer after Apr 23 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 23 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 14 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 3 · Apr 25 · May 11 | Oct 8 · Oct 25 · Nov 14 | 185 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 2 · Mar 27 · Apr 23 | Oct 23 · Nov 14 · Dec 7 | 230 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 15 · Feb 22 · Mar 20 | Nov 9 · Dec 3 · Jan 2 | 286 days | 99% |
Planting calendar for Estacada
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 | Feb 24 – May 2 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Jul 25 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Feb 24 – Mar 27 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 27 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Mar 13 – Apr 11 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 27 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 26 – Aug 4 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 – May 27 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 26 – May 27 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 – Aug 27 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 – Jul 25 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Apr 26 – May 27 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Apr 19 – May 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 24 – Apr 11 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Feb 24 – Apr 26 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 13 – Feb 9 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 11 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Feb 6 – Mar 12 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 11 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 15 – Jul 25 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 14 – Aug 25 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 27 – Feb 24 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 24 – Mar 27 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 5 – Aug 4 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 4 – Sep 4 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 24 – May 12 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 4 – Sep 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 17 – Apr 2 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 21 – Sep 25 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 24 – Apr 16 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 4 – Oct 5 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 2 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 28 – Sep 4 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 27 – May 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 5 – Aug 20 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Nov 4 – Dec 5 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 97023 is matched to the NOAA station Estacada 2 Se, OR, 2.1 km away, at 514 ft elevation (191 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estacada 2 Se, OR (used) | 514 ft | Mar 27 | Nov 14 |
| Molalla 7Ne, OR | 647 ft | Mar 16 | Nov 19 |
| Headworks Portland Wtr B, OR | 748 ft | Mar 27 | Nov 18 |
| Oregon City, OR | 167 ft | Mar 18 | Nov 18 |
Frost dates near Estacada
- Eagle Creek, OR 97022 · last Mar 27, first Nov 14
- Beavercreek, OR 97004 · last Mar 27, first Nov 14
- Sandy, OR 97055 · last Mar 27, first Nov 18
- Colton, OR 97017 · last Mar 27, first Nov 14
- Boring, OR 97009 · last Mar 27, first Nov 14
- Damascus, OR 97089 · last Mar 27, first Nov 14
- Mulino, OR 97042 · last Mar 27, first Nov 14
- Oregon City, OR 97045 · last Mar 18, first Nov 18
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Estacada, OR?
- For ZIP code 97023, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 27, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Estacada 2 Se, OR weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 23.
- When is the first frost in Estacada, OR?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 14. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 23, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 97023?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 230 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.