Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 98338 — Graham, WA

ZIP code 98338 (Graham, Pierce County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost October 30.

Where ZIP 98338 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone8b15 to 20 °F

Coldest night−9.4 to −6.7 °C

Last frostApr 11

First frostOct 30

2012 zone8a

Was 8a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 8b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Graham, WA…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Graham, WA

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostApril 11median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 29only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 30median — 10% chance by Oct 13

Growing season202 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 16 and returns around November 14.

From the NOAA station Mcmillin Rsvr, WA — 7 miles away, elevation 581 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 98338

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 28 – Mar 14

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 28 – Mar 21

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 31 – Feb 14

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 14 – Mar 28

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 14 – Mar 28

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 14 – Feb 28

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 18 – May 2

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 31 – Feb 14

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 25 – May 9

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 18 – May 2

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 18 – May 2

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 18 – May 2

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 4 – Sep 18

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 16 – Nov 20

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 11) and first fall frost (Oct 30) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 98338 came on Feb 24 — 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 27).

average
Feb 272026
Feb 24

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Soil in Graham, WA

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 98338 is Kapowsin — gravelly ashy loam, moderately well drained.

TextureGravelly ashy loama good balance for most vegetables

pH5.6moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageModerately well drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter6%high

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classprime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Kapowsin gravelly ashy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 98338; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Graham, WA

Summer high77 °Faverage high, August

Winter low33 °Faverage low, January

Hot days3days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights60nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,715base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 54 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 30 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation45.1 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall6 inper year; 5 days with snow on the ground

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Mcmillin Rsvr, WA (7 mi away); precipitation: Mcmillin Rsvr, WA (7 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

1 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

Paradise Inn, WA · 8 mi

984468b

Tacoma, WA · 8 mi

Washington planting zones →

Questions about 98338

What planting zone is ZIP code 98338?

ZIP code 98338 (Graham, WA) is in USDA hardiness zone 8b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 15 to 20 °F (−9.4 to −6.7 °C).

When is the last frost in Graham, WA?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 98338 is April 11; after April 29 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Mcmillin Rsvr station.

When is the first frost in Graham, WA?

The median first fall frost near 98338 is October 30, giving a median frost-free growing season of 202 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 98338?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 14 – Feb 28 and set transplants outside around Apr 18 – May 2, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 98338 get?

About 45.1 inches of precipitation a year and 6 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Mcmillin Rsvr station).

How hot do summers get in Graham, WA?

The average high peaks at 77 °F in August, with about 3 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 98338 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Kapowsin at the center of ZIP 98338: gravelly ashy loam, moderately well drained, pH about 5.6 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Graham, WA in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 98338 came on Feb 24 in 2026, 3 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 27), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Graham, WA?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 98338 is 15 h 54 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 98338 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 98338 in zone 8a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 8b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.