Last spring frost
Mar 22
Frost Dates for Hope Mills, NC
First fall frost
Nov 13
Growing season
236 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Hope Mills, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 22 and the first fall frost is about Nov 13, giving roughly a 236-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 5 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 17 | Apr 3 | Mar 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 8 | Mar 22 | Mar 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 9 | Feb 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 22 | Jan 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 |
| 32°F | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 |
| 28°F | Mar 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 17 |
| 24°F | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 |
| 20°F | Mar 1 | Feb 22 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 14 | Jan 3 |
| 16°F | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 23 | Jan 18 | Jan 13 | Jan 7 | Dec 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 22 | Nov 3 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 13 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 26 | Dec 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 20 | Dec 12 | Jan 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 20 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 2 | Jan 11 |
| 20°F | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 20 | Jan 26 | 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: Fayetteville Rgnl Ap, Nc, about 5.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 186 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 Hope Mills, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Hope Mills, NC is about Mar 22. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 5.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Hope Mills, NC typically arrives about Nov 13. 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 22 on average, or Mar 5 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 236 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 28348 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026