Last spring frost
Mar 27
Frost Dates for Northwest, NC
First fall frost
Nov 8
Growing season
227 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Northwest, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 27 and the first fall frost is about Nov 8, giving roughly a 227-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 9 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 21 | Apr 6 | Mar 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 27 | Mar 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 1 | Mar 14 | Feb 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 20 | Feb 27 | Jan 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 |
| 32°F | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 9 |
| 28°F | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 |
| 24°F | Mar 20 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 29 |
| 20°F | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 18 | Jan 9 |
| 16°F | Feb 17 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 19 | Jan 14 | Jan 10 | 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 16 | Oct 31 | Nov 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 8 | Nov 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 21 | Dec 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 8 | Jan 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 |
| 32°F | Oct 24 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 27 |
| 28°F | Nov 3 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 12 |
| 24°F | Nov 16 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 6 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 25 |
| 16°F | Dec 17 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 17 | Jan 23 | Jan 31 |
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: Moores Creek Nb, Nc, about 3.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 22 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 Northwest, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Northwest, NC is about Mar 27. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 9.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Northwest, NC typically arrives about Nov 8. 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 27 on average, or Mar 9 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 227 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 28435 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026