Last spring frost
Apr 2
Frost Dates for Burgaw, NC
First fall frost
Nov 5
Growing season
217 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Burgaw, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 2 and the first fall frost is about Nov 5, giving roughly a 217-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 15 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 29 | Apr 14 | Mar 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 16 | Apr 2 | Mar 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 20 | Feb 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 3 | Feb 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 29 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 |
| 32°F | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
| 28°F | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Feb 26 |
| 24°F | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 4 |
| 20°F | Mar 10 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 22 | Jan 12 |
| 16°F | Feb 21 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 29 | Jan 25 | Jan 19 | Jan 13 | Jan 6 | 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 15 | Oct 28 | Nov 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 5 | Nov 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 15 | Dec 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 30 | Jan 1 |
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 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 |
| 32°F | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 21 |
| 28°F | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 | Dec 6 |
| 24°F | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 25 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 18 |
| 16°F | Dec 8 | Dec 17 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 22 | Jan 30 |
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: Willard 4 Sw, Nc, about 10.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 55 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 Burgaw, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Burgaw, NC is about Apr 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Burgaw, NC typically arrives about Nov 5. 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 Apr 2 on average, or Mar 15 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 217 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 28425 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026