Last spring frost
Mar 28
Frost Dates for Norlina, NC
First fall frost
Nov 9
Growing season
227 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Norlina, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 28 and the first fall frost is about Nov 9, giving roughly a 227-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 10 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 30 | Apr 8 | Mar 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 28 | Mar 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 14 | Feb 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 20 | Feb 28 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 30 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 28°F | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 |
| 24°F | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Mar 11 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 24 | Jan 14 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 19 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 19 | Jan 14 | Jan 4 |
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 | Nov 1 | Nov 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 9 | Nov 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 22 | Dec 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 8 | Jan 5 |
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 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 |
| 32°F | Oct 26 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 26 |
| 28°F | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 14 |
| 24°F | Nov 15 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 5 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 16 | Jan 26 |
| 16°F | Dec 18 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 16 | Jan 20 | Jan 28 | Feb 6 |
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: Henderson 4 Nne, Nc, about 10.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 500 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 Norlina, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Norlina, NC is about Mar 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 10.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Norlina, NC typically arrives about Nov 9. 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 28 on average, or Mar 10 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 227 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 27563 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026