Last spring frost
Mar 15
Frost Dates for Southern Shores, NC
First fall frost
Dec 6
Growing season
266 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Southern Shores, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 15 and the first fall frost is about Dec 6, giving roughly a 266-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 23 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 12 | Mar 28 | Mar 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 15 | Feb 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 19 | Feb 28 | Feb 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 5 | Feb 8 | Jan 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 32°F | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 |
| 28°F | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 |
| 24°F | Mar 5 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 14 |
| 20°F | Feb 19 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 12 | Jan 2 |
| 16°F | Feb 16 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 19 | Jan 15 | Jan 10 | Jan 4 |
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 9 | Nov 24 | Dec 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 6 | Dec 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 4 | Dec 25 | Jan 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 16 | Jan 7 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 |
| 32°F | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 |
| 28°F | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 14 |
| 24°F | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 22 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 15 | Jan 19 | Jan 24 | Jan 29 | Feb 4 |
| 16°F | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 15 | Jan 19 | Jan 23 | Jan 27 | Jan 30 | 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: Manteo Ap, Nc, about 15.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 13 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 Southern Shores, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Southern Shores, NC is about Mar 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Southern Shores, NC typically arrives about Dec 6. 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 15 on average, or Feb 23 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 266 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 27964 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026