Last spring frost
Mar 24
Frost Dates for Elrod, NC
First fall frost
Nov 10
Growing season
233 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Elrod, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 24 and the first fall frost is about Nov 10, giving roughly a 233-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 28 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 20 | Apr 5 | Mar 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 24 | Feb 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 6 | Feb 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 16 | Feb 16 | Jan 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 18 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Feb 28 |
| 28°F | Mar 30 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 7 |
| 24°F | Mar 16 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 18 |
| 20°F | Feb 27 | Feb 13 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 7 | Dec 28 |
| 16°F | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 12 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Dec 21 |
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 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 10 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 25 | Dec 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 13 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 15 |
| 32°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 22 |
| 24°F | Nov 19 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 29 | Jan 4 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 31 |
| 16°F | Dec 11 | Dec 21 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 26 | Feb 2 |
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 Muni Ap, Nc, about 12.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 121 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 Elrod, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Elrod, NC is about Mar 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Elrod, NC typically arrives about Nov 10. 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 Feb 28 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 233 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 28383 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026