Last spring frost
Mar 30
Frost Dates for Charlotte, NC
First fall frost
Nov 3
Growing season
221 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Charlotte, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 30 and the first fall frost is about Nov 3, giving roughly a 221-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 28 | Apr 11 | Mar 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 30 | Mar 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 17 | Feb 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 2 | Feb 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 28 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 |
| 32°F | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 |
| 28°F | Apr 3 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 |
| 24°F | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 4 |
| 20°F | Mar 13 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 18 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 15 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Dec 31 |
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 15 | Oct 27 | Nov 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 3 | Nov 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 14 | Dec 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 11 | Nov 29 | Dec 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 |
| 32°F | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 |
| 24°F | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 16 | Dec 29 |
| 20°F | Nov 23 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 17 |
| 16°F | Dec 6 | Dec 16 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 21 | Feb 1 |
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: Charlotte Douglas Ap, Nc, about 6.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 728 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 Charlotte, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Charlotte, NC is about Mar 30. 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 Charlotte, NC typically arrives about Nov 3. 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 30 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 221 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 28278 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026