Last spring frost
Apr 2
Frost Dates for Hillsborough, NC
First fall frost
Nov 4
Growing season
217 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Hillsborough, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 2 and the first fall frost is about Nov 4, giving roughly a 217-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 15 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 1 | Apr 14 | Mar 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 18 | Apr 2 | Mar 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 19 | Feb 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 4 | Feb 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 1 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 |
| 32°F | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
| 28°F | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 11 |
| 20°F | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 23 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 16 | Jan 6 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 13 | Oct 27 | Nov 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 4 | Nov 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 16 | Dec 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 12 | Dec 1 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 13 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 32°F | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 |
| 28°F | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 7 |
| 24°F | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 21 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 25 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 19 |
| 16°F | Dec 9 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 23 | Feb 1 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Durham, Nc, about 7.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 400 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Hillsborough, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Hillsborough, NC is about Apr 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Hillsborough, NC typically arrives about Nov 4. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Apr 2 on average, or Mar 15 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 217 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 27278 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026