Last spring frost
Mar 21
Frost Dates for Bridgeton, NC
First fall frost
Nov 17
Growing season
242 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Bridgeton, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 21 and the first fall frost is about Nov 17, giving roughly a 242-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 4 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 18 | Apr 3 | Mar 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 21 | Mar 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 27 | Mar 8 | Feb 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 16 | Jan 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 18 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 |
| 32°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 4 |
| 28°F | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 12 |
| 24°F | Mar 15 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 25 | Jan 11 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 19 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 14 | Jan 7 | Dec 30 |
| 16°F | Feb 10 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 13 | Jan 9 | Jan 3 | 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 23 | Nov 4 | Nov 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 17 | Dec 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 12 | Dec 1 | Jan 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 26 | Dec 23 | Jan 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 28°F | Nov 12 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 21 | Jan 1 |
| 24°F | Nov 26 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 20 |
| 20°F | Dec 8 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 18 | Jan 26 | Feb 8 |
| 16°F | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 16 | Jan 21 | Jan 28 | Feb 3 |
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: Reelsboro, Nc, about 10.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 45 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 21. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Bridgeton, NC typically arrives about Nov 17. 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 21 on average, or Mar 4 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 242 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 28527 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026