Last spring frost
Mar 19
Frost Dates for Porters Neck, NC
First fall frost
Nov 20
Growing season
247 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Porters Neck, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 19 and the first fall frost is about Nov 20, giving roughly a 247-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 26 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 13 | Mar 30 | Mar 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 19 | Feb 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 2 | Feb 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 10 | Feb 10 | Jan 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 14 |
| 32°F | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 5 | Feb 26 |
| 28°F | Mar 23 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 4 |
| 24°F | Mar 10 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 12 |
| 20°F | Feb 23 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 19 | Jan 13 | Jan 7 | Dec 29 |
| 16°F | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 23 | Jan 19 | Jan 14 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | 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 27 | Nov 8 | Nov 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 20 | Dec 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 3 | Jan 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 30 | Dec 26 | Jan 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 |
| 32°F | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 28°F | Nov 14 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 |
| 24°F | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 20 |
| 20°F | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Dec 25 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 22 | Jan 27 | 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: Wilmington Intl Ap, Nc, about 6.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 33 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 Porters Neck, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Porters Neck, NC is about Mar 19. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Porters Neck, NC typically arrives about Nov 20. 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 19 on average, or Feb 26 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 247 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 28411 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026