Last spring frost
Mar 23
Frost Dates for Bridgeton, NC
First fall frost
Nov 15
Growing season
237 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Bridgeton, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 23 and the first fall frost is about Nov 15, giving roughly a 237-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 6 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 19 | Apr 4 | Mar 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 23 | Mar 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 12 | Feb 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 26 | Jan 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 |
| 32°F | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 |
| 28°F | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 29 |
| 20°F | Mar 4 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 15 | Jan 5 |
| 16°F | Feb 18 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 17 | Jan 13 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 |
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 22 | Nov 3 | Nov 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 28 | Dec 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 24 | Dec 14 | Jan 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 10 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 |
| 20°F | Dec 5 | Dec 13 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Dec 23 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 16 | Jan 22 | Jan 28 | Feb 5 |
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: New Bern Craven Co Ap, Nc, about 4.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 19 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 Bridgeton, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Bridgeton, NC is about Mar 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Bridgeton, NC typically arrives about Nov 15. 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 23 on average, or Mar 6 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 237 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 28519 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026