Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Cary, NC
First fall frost
Nov 10
Growing season
226 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Cary, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 10, giving roughly a 226-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 23 | Apr 10 | Mar 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 31 | Mar 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 17 | Feb 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 21 | Mar 1 | Feb 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 |
| 32°F | Apr 12 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 |
| 28°F | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 |
| 24°F | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 12 | Feb 3 |
| 20°F | Mar 10 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 | Jan 13 |
| 16°F | Feb 27 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 18 | Jan 12 | Jan 2 |
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 18 | Oct 31 | Nov 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 10 | Nov 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 24 | Dec 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 10 | Jan 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 |
| 32°F | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 |
| 28°F | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 17 |
| 24°F | Nov 19 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 10 |
| 20°F | Dec 4 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 28 |
| 16°F | Dec 19 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | Jan 28 | Feb 7 |
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: Cary, Nc, about 1.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 390 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 Cary, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Cary, NC is about Mar 31. 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 Cary, NC typically arrives about Nov 10. 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 31 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 226 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 27518 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026