Last spring frost
Mar 26
Frost Dates for Surf City, NC
First fall frost
Nov 13
Growing season
233 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Surf City, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 26 and the first fall frost is about Nov 13, giving roughly a 233-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 11 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 4 | Mar 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 26 | Mar 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 15 | Feb 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 21 | Feb 26 | Jan 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 |
| 28°F | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 23 |
| 24°F | Mar 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 5 | Jan 27 |
| 20°F | Mar 5 | Feb 25 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 14 | Jan 2 |
| 16°F | Feb 20 | Feb 8 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 11 | Jan 5 | Dec 30 |
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 3 | Nov 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 13 | Dec 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 26 | Dec 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 10 | Jan 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 |
| 32°F | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 3 |
| 28°F | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 20 |
| 24°F | Nov 19 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 9 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 8 | Jan 15 | Jan 24 |
| 16°F | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 18 | Jan 24 | 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: Surf City, Nc, about 7.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 24 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 Surf City, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Surf City, NC is about Mar 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 11.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Surf City, NC typically arrives about Nov 13. 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 26 on average, or Mar 11 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 28443 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026