Last spring frost
Apr 11
Frost Dates for Lexington, NC
First fall frost
Oct 28
Growing season
199 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Lexington, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 11 and the first fall frost is about Oct 28, giving roughly a 199-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 28 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 10 | Apr 23 | Apr 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 26 | Apr 11 | Mar 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 30 | Mar 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 18 | Feb 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 10 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 |
| 32°F | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 |
| 28°F | Apr 14 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 14 |
| 24°F | Apr 3 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 |
| 20°F | Mar 23 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 2 |
| 16°F | Mar 9 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 13 |
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 6 | Oct 19 | Oct 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 14 | Oct 28 | Nov 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 5 | Nov 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 18 | Dec 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 |
| 32°F | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 |
| 24°F | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 |
| 20°F | Nov 14 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Jan 3 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 12 | Jan 20 |
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: Lexington, Nc, about 3.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 760 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 Lexington, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lexington, NC is about Apr 11. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Lexington, NC typically arrives about Oct 28. 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 11 on average, or Mar 28 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 199 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 27295 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026