Last spring frost
Mar 18
Frost Dates for Morehead City, NC
First fall frost
Nov 21
Growing season
249 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Morehead City, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 18 and the first fall frost is about Nov 21, giving roughly a 249-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 26 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 16 | Apr 1 | Mar 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 18 | Feb 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 2 | Feb 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 12 | Feb 11 | Jan 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
| 32°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 |
| 28°F | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 |
| 24°F | Mar 12 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 | Feb 16 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 15 |
| 20°F | Feb 24 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 18 | Jan 12 | Jan 3 |
| 16°F | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 25 | Jan 21 | Jan 18 | Jan 11 | Jan 7 | 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 28 | Nov 9 | Nov 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 21 | Dec 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 5 | Jan 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 29 | Dec 29 | Jan 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 26 |
| 32°F | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 12 |
| 28°F | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 4 |
| 24°F | Nov 29 | Dec 6 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 22 |
| 20°F | Dec 15 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 24 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 26 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 19 | Jan 23 | Jan 28 | 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: Morehead City 2 Wnw, Nc, about 0.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 10 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 Morehead City, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Morehead City, NC is about Mar 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Morehead City, NC typically arrives about Nov 21. 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 18 on average, or Feb 26 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 249 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 28557 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026