Last spring frost
Mar 27
Frost Dates for South Rosemary, NC
First fall frost
Nov 12
Growing season
230 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around South Rosemary, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 27 and the first fall frost is about Nov 12, giving roughly a 230-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 19 | Apr 7 | Mar 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 8 | Mar 27 | Mar 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 29 | Mar 13 | Feb 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 19 | Feb 28 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 |
| 32°F | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 28°F | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 |
| 24°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 14 |
| 16°F | Feb 23 | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 26 | Jan 20 | Jan 16 | Jan 11 | Jan 3 |
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 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 12 | Nov 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 26 | Dec 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 22 | Dec 12 | Jan 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 15 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 |
| 28°F | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 19 |
| 24°F | Nov 22 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | Jan 11 |
| 20°F | Dec 7 | Dec 16 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 16 | Jan 20 | Jan 27 | 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: Roanoke Rapids Ap, Nc, about 1.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 256 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 South Rosemary, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around South Rosemary, NC is about Mar 27. 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 South Rosemary, 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 27 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 230 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 27870 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026