Last spring frost
Mar 18
Frost Dates for Swan Quarter, NC
First fall frost
Nov 25
Growing season
253 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Swan Quarter, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 18 and the first fall frost is about Nov 25, giving roughly a 253-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 27 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 10 | Mar 29 | Mar 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 18 | Feb 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 21 | Mar 5 | Feb 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 12 | Feb 17 | Jan 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 |
| 32°F | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 |
| 28°F | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 8 |
| 24°F | Mar 12 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 15 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 6 |
| 16°F | Feb 15 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 29 | Jan 25 | Jan 21 | Jan 17 | Jan 12 | Jan 5 |
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 31 | Nov 12 | Nov 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 25 | Dec 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 8 | Jan 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 28 |
| 32°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 |
| 28°F | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 5 |
| 24°F | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 7 | Jan 14 | Jan 23 |
| 20°F | Dec 18 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 21 | Jan 28 | Feb 5 |
| 16°F | Dec 30 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 19 | Jan 23 | Jan 27 | Jan 31 | 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: Swanquarter Ferry, Nc, about 4.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3 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 Swan Quarter, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Swan Quarter, NC is about Mar 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 27.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Swan Quarter, NC typically arrives about Nov 25. 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 18 on average, or Feb 27 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 253 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 27885 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026