Last spring frost
Mar 24
Frost Dates for Lumberton, NC
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
234 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Lumberton, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 24 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 234-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 2 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 19 | Apr 3 | Mar 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 8 | Mar 24 | Mar 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 8 | Feb 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 16 | Feb 17 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 |
| 32°F | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 2 |
| 28°F | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 12 |
| 24°F | Mar 16 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 17 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Jan 1 |
| 16°F | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 25 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 12 | Jan 6 | Dec 27 |
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 21 | Nov 1 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 11 | Dec 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 25 | Dec 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 11 | Jan 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Dec 2 |
| 28°F | Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 22 |
| 24°F | Nov 16 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 29 | Jan 5 | Jan 14 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Jan 31 |
| 16°F | Dec 19 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 16 | Jan 20 | Jan 25 | 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: Lumberton, Nc, about 5.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 112 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 Lumberton, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lumberton, NC is about Mar 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Lumberton, NC typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 24 on average, or Mar 2 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 234 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 28358 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026