When will we get frost on the lawn?

When do we usually get our first frost of the season? This question boils down to when to take actions like moving sensitive outdoor plants inside and putting the lawnmower away.

This question depends on your location, but it is around this time of year. For instance, the south Sound region is among our coldest areas in western Washington and has the earliest average first frost date. At Olympia, it is October 8. They had their first frost on Oct. 28 this year.

An average frost date is exactly that – the average date that the first frost of the season occurs using weather data over a number of years. Consider that date as the 50-50 point for first frost of the season.

Here are some other western Washington average first frost dates – from north to south.

Bellingham: Oct 20

Port Angeles: Nov 9

Forks: Oct 15

Everett: Oct 27

SeaTac Airport: Nov 9

Tacoma: Nov 9

Puyallup: Oct 15

Shelton: Oct 20

Hoquiam: Nov 10

Centralia: Oct 25

Note that the more outlying areas have the earlier average first frost dates and those closer to bodies of water, that tend to moderate temperatures like Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean, have the later dates.

The next frost does not appear to be in the forecast for the next week or so, good news for our outdoor plants and heating bills. Yet, we will likely have our next frost before the end of this month as the nights keep getting longer.