Last spring frost
Apr 20
Frost Dates for Suffolk, NC
First fall frost
Oct 27
Growing season
190 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Suffolk, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 20 and the first fall frost is about Oct 27, giving roughly a 190-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 2 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) | May 20 | May 1 | Apr 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 28 | Apr 7 | Mar 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 13 | Mar 29 | Mar 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 20 | May 13 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 |
| 32°F | May 9 | May 2 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 2 |
| 28°F | Apr 28 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 |
| 24°F | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 6 |
| 20°F | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 |
| 16°F | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 6 | Jan 29 |
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 6 | Oct 19 | Oct 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 17 | Oct 27 | Nov 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 4 | Nov 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 |
| 32°F | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 20 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 |
| 20°F | Nov 8 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 25 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | Jan 14 |
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: Wallaceton-Lake Drummond, Va, about 11.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 20 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 Suffolk, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Suffolk, NC is about Apr 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Suffolk, NC typically arrives about Oct 27. 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 Apr 20 on average, or Apr 2 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 190 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 27926 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026