Last spring frost
Mar 28
Frost Dates for Raleigh, NC
First fall frost
Nov 9
Growing season
227 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Raleigh, 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 8 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 22 | Apr 7 | Mar 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 28 | Mar 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 14 | Feb 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 20 | Feb 27 | Jan 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 22 |
| 32°F | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 8 |
| 28°F | Apr 2 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 21 |
| 24°F | Mar 20 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 |
| 20°F | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 20 | Jan 7 |
| 16°F | Feb 26 | Feb 12 | Feb 2 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Dec 30 |
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 17 | Oct 31 | Nov 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 9 | Nov 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 23 | Dec 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 10 | Jan 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 |
| 32°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 27 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 17 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 |
| 20°F | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Jan 27 |
| 16°F | Dec 14 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 17 | Jan 22 | Jan 28 | Feb 4 |
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: Raleigh 4 Sw, Nc, about 7.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 420 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 Raleigh, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Raleigh, NC is about Mar 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Raleigh, 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 8 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 27610 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026