Last frost date in Dover, Delaware
April 4
Average last frost in spring. In an early year (1 in 10) it's over by March 22; in a late year (1 in 10) it comes after April 17.
November 4
Average first frost in fall. 1 year in 10 it comes by October 23.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Dover (USC00072730), 1.3 miles from Dover, elevation 30 ft. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. These are long-term averages, not a forecast.
This station is also the nearest one for Smyrna, so its frost dates are the same as Dover's.
| Early year | Average | Late year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last frost in spring | Mar 22 | Apr 4 | Apr 17 |
| First frost in fall | Oct 23 | Nov 4 | Nov 18 |
Frost-free days in an average year: 214
| Chance in a year | Average last in spring | Average first in fall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Every year | Apr 17 | Oct 25 |
| Frost (32°F) | Every year | Apr 4 | Nov 4 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Every year | Mar 25 | Nov 16 |
Nights at 32°F or colder in an average year: 79
What to plant now in Dover
- Corn saladSept 15 – Nov 1Now
- Upland cressSept 15 – Nov 1Now
- Rhubarb plantsNov 1 – Dec 1Soon
- Asparagus plantsNov 15 – Jan 1Soon
- Spring planting calendar for an average last frost around March 30 Dover: April 4
- Fall planting calendar for an average first frost around October 30 Dover: November 4
Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), “Suburban and Farm Vegetable Gardens,” tables 4 and 5. How we match the table.
Nearby in Delaware
- Milford 18 mi · last frost Apr 11
- Newark 38 mi · last frost Apr 7
- Wilmington 40 mi · last frost Apr 7
Updated