Last spring frost
Mar 29
Frost Dates for Powellsville, NC
First fall frost
Nov 7
Growing season
223 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Powellsville, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 29 and the first fall frost is about Nov 7, giving roughly a 223-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 12 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 23 | Apr 9 | Mar 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 29 | Mar 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 1 | Mar 16 | Feb 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 20 | Feb 28 | Feb 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 |
| 32°F | Apr 12 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 |
| 28°F | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 |
| 24°F | Mar 20 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 1 |
| 20°F | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 10 |
| 16°F | Feb 22 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 26 | Jan 21 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 1 |
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 16 | Oct 29 | Nov 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 7 | Nov 25 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 21 | Dec 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 6 | Jan 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 |
| 32°F | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 25 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 |
| 24°F | Nov 16 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 6 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 16 | Jan 23 |
| 16°F | Dec 13 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 25 | Feb 3 |
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: Lewiston, Nc, about 15.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 50 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 Powellsville, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Powellsville, NC is about Mar 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Powellsville, NC typically arrives about Nov 7. 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 29 on average, or Mar 12 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 223 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 27967 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026