Last spring frost
Mar 28
Frost Dates for Pikeville, NC
First fall frost
Nov 12
Growing season
231 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Pikeville, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 28 and the first fall frost is about Nov 12, giving roughly a 231-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 9 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 20 | Apr 8 | Mar 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 28 | Mar 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 15 | Feb 20 |
| 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 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 9 |
| 28°F | Apr 2 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 |
| 24°F | Mar 20 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 |
| 20°F | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 8 |
| 16°F | Feb 26 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | 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 23 | Nov 3 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 12 | Nov 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 24 | Dec 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 11 | Jan 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 29 |
| 28°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | Jan 11 |
| 20°F | Dec 3 | Dec 13 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Dec 22 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 13 | Jan 18 | Jan 23 | Jan 29 | 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: Goldsboro Ag 1 N, Nc, about 4.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 109 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 Pikeville, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Pikeville, NC is about Mar 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 9.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Pikeville, NC typically arrives about Nov 12. 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 9 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 231 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 27863 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026