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

Planting zone for 98563 — Montesano, WA

ZIP code 98563 (Montesano, Grays Harbor County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost November 2.

Where ZIP 98563 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 15

First frostNov 2

2012 zone8b

Same zone as on the 2012 map. 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 Montesano, 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 Montesano, WA

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostApril 15median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 8only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 2median — 10% chance by Oct 17

Growing season200 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 10 and returns around November 27.

From the NOAA station Aberdeen 20nne, WA — 6 miles away, elevation 436 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 98563

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 4 – Mar 18

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 4 – Mar 25

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 4 – Feb 18

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 25 – Apr 8

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 18 – Apr 1

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 25 – Apr 8

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 18 – Apr 1

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 25 – Apr 8

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 18 – Mar 4

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 22 – May 6

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 4 – Feb 18

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 29 – May 13

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 22 – May 6

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 22 – May 6

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 22 – May 6

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 7 – Sep 21

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 19 – Nov 23

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 15) and first fall frost (Nov 2) 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 98563 came on Feb 22 — 8 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 2).

average
Mar 22026
Feb 22

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).

Native plants for zone 8b in Washington

614 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Washington, and rated by the USDA to survive 15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 8b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Montesano, WA.

Soil in Montesano, WA

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 98563 is Le Bar — medial silt loam, well drained.

TextureMedial silt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH4.3strongly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter12.5%high

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Le Bar silt loam, 8 to 30 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 98563; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Montesano, WA

Summer high74 °Faverage high, July

Winter low34 °Faverage low, February

Hot days1days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights60nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,463base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 56 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 29 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation133.9 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Aberdeen 20nne, WA (6 mi away); precipitation: Aberdeen 20nne, WA (6 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.

Humptulips, WA · 17 mi

Washington planting zones →

Questions about 98563

What planting zone is ZIP code 98563?

ZIP code 98563 (Montesano, 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 Montesano, WA?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 98563 is April 15; after May 8 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Aberdeen 20nne station.

When is the first frost in Montesano, WA?

The median first fall frost near 98563 is November 2, giving a median frost-free growing season of 200 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 98563?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 18 – Mar 4 and set transplants outside around Apr 22 – May 6, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 98563 get?

About 133.9 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Aberdeen 20nne station).

How hot do summers get in Montesano, WA?

The average high peaks at 74 °F in July, with about 1 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 98563 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Le Bar at the center of ZIP 98563: medial silt loam, well drained, pH about 4.3 (strongly acidic).

Did spring come early in Montesano, WA in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 98563 came on Feb 22 in 2026, 8 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 2), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Montesano, WA?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 98563 is 15 h 56 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).