Last spring frost
Mar 30
Frost Dates for Oak Ridge, NC
First fall frost
Nov 5
Growing season
220 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Oak Ridge, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 30 and the first fall frost is about Nov 5, giving roughly a 220-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 12 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) | Apr 27 | Apr 13 | Mar 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 30 | Mar 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 18 | Feb 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 4 | Feb 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 |
| 32°F | Apr 14 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Feb 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 10 |
| 20°F | Mar 15 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 23 |
| 16°F | Mar 6 | Feb 25 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 8 |
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 14 | Oct 27 | Nov 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 5 | Nov 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 17 | Dec 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 2 | Dec 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 |
| 32°F | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 21 |
| 28°F | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 |
| 24°F | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 |
| 20°F | Nov 27 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 7 | Jan 17 |
| 16°F | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 17 | Jan 24 | Feb 2 |
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: Piedmont Triad Intl Ap, Nc, about 6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 890 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 Oak Ridge, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Oak Ridge, NC is about Mar 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Oak Ridge, NC typically arrives about Nov 5. 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 Mar 30 on average, or Mar 12 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 220 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 27310 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026