When to plant in Arlington, VA
USDA Zone 7bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Arlington, Virginia — all computed from Arlington's nearest NOAA weather station.
Zone 7b means many perennials and even some tender shrubs overwinter in Arlington, while your frost dates still decide when annuals go out.
Frost probability
WASHINGTON REAGAN AP · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Arlington’s own odds, recorded at WASHINGTON REAGAN AP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 14 | Apr 3 | Mar 20 | Oct 26 | Nov 6 | Nov 20 |
| 32°F | Apr 6 | Mar 24 | Mar 7 | Nov 5 | Nov 18 | Dec 6 |
| 28°F | Mar 26 | Mar 12 | Feb 23 | Nov 14 | Dec 3 | Dec 24 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Arlington, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 12 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Arlington planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Arlington, VA?
On average, the last spring frost in Arlington is around March 24 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Arlington, VA?
Expect Arlington's first fall frost near November 18 — a 50% chance of 32°F by that date. Bring in or cover tender crops ahead of it.
What hardiness zone is Arlington in?
Arlington is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. In zone 7b, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Arlington?
There are roughly 239 frost-free days in Arlington (a long growing season), running from the average last frost around March 24 to the first fall frost near November 18.
When should I plant tomatoes in Arlington?
In Arlington, start tomato seeds indoors around January 27–February 10, then transplant seedlings outdoors around March 31 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Arlington
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Arlington’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Bailey's Crossroads · 4 km
- Lake Barcroft · 6 km
- Falls Church · 7 km
- Alexandria · 7 km
- West Falls Church · 8 km
- Washington · 8 km
- Lincolnia · 8 km
- Idylwood · 9 km
Frost dates recorded at WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, 7 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Arlington, VA — Frost Dates & Zone 7b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00013743. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/virginia/arlington.