Last spring frost
Mar 26
Frost Dates for Tabor City, NC
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
231 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Tabor City, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 26 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 231-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 3 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 6 | Mar 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 26 | Mar 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 10 | Feb 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 21 | Jan 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 | Mar 3 |
| 28°F | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 14 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 |
| 20°F | Mar 3 | Feb 22 | Feb 12 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Dec 30 |
| 16°F | Feb 15 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 19 | Jan 15 | Jan 9 | Jan 4 | Dec 27 |
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 20 | Nov 1 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 11 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 25 | Dec 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 12 | Jan 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 13 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 17 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 20 | Jan 27 | 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: Longwood, Nc, about 14.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 40 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 Tabor City, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Tabor City, NC is about Mar 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 3.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Tabor City, NC typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 3 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 231 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 28463 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026