Last spring frost
Mar 4
Frost Dates for Hatteras, NC
First fall frost
Dec 22
Growing season
290 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Hatteras, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 4 and the first fall frost is about Dec 22, giving roughly a 290-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 4 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 4 | Mar 19 | Feb 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 4 | Feb 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 11 | Feb 12 | Jan 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 26 | Jan 31 | Jan 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 32°F | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 4 |
| 28°F | Mar 11 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 17 |
| 24°F | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 10 |
| 20°F | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 18 | Jan 15 | Jan 11 |
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) | Nov 17 | Dec 2 | Dec 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 29 | Dec 22 | Jan 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 17 | Jan 8 | Feb 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Jan 1 | Jan 18 | Feb 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 27 |
| 32°F | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 16 |
| 28°F | Dec 17 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 18 | Jan 28 | Feb 5 |
| 24°F | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | Feb 2 | Feb 15 |
| 20°F | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 23 | Jan 27 | Jan 31 | Feb 4 | Feb 11 |
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: Cape Hatteras Ap, Nc, about 5.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 11 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 Hatteras, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Hatteras, NC is about Mar 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Hatteras, NC typically arrives about Dec 22. 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 4 on average, or Feb 4 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 290 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 27943 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026