π Select your UK region
Select a region above
Frost dates based on Met Office historical averages
πΈ Last Spring Frost
β
π First Autumn Frost
β
π± When to plant out tender crops
π‘ Frost date tips for UK gardeners
These are averages, not guarantees. A cold snap can arrive 2β3 weeks after the "last frost" date in any given year. Always watch the forecast in spring and keep fleece to hand.
Your garden has its own microclimate. A south-facing, sheltered spot can be 2β3Β°C warmer than an exposed north-facing one. Frost pockets in low-lying areas stay colder for longer.
Harden off before planting out. Spend 7β10 days putting indoor-raised plants outside in the day and bringing them in at night before leaving them out permanently.
A light frost (0 to -2Β°C) is survivable for many plants if covered with fleece overnight. A hard frost (-4Β°C or below) will kill unprotected tender plants regardless.
Check the Met Office forecast the night before planting out anything tender. A clear night with low humidity after a cold day is the highest frost risk combination.