Last spring frost
Mar 11
Frost Dates for Davis, NC
First fall frost
Nov 30
Growing season
261 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Davis, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 11 and the first fall frost is about Nov 30, giving roughly a 261-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 19 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 9 | Mar 24 | Mar 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 11 | Feb 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 19 | Feb 27 | Jan 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 4 | Feb 5 | Jan 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 5 |
| 32°F | Mar 30 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 19 |
| 28°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 29 |
| 24°F | Mar 4 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 17 | Jan 8 |
| 20°F | Feb 17 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 30 | Jan 26 | Jan 21 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Jan 1 |
| 16°F | Feb 15 | Feb 1 | Jan 30 | Jan 27 | Jan 23 | Jan 19 | Jan 15 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 |
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) | Nov 1 | Nov 17 | Dec 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 11 | Nov 30 | Dec 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 24 | Dec 17 | Jan 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 10 | Jan 5 | Feb 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 |
| 32°F | Nov 11 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 |
| 28°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 4 | Jan 14 |
| 24°F | Dec 10 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 23 | Feb 3 |
| 20°F | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Jan 21 | Jan 25 | Jan 30 | Feb 7 |
| 16°F | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 12 | Jan 17 | Jan 19 | Jan 24 | Jan 29 | Jan 31 | Feb 8 |
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: Cedar Is, Nc, about 12.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 8 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 Davis, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Davis, NC is about Mar 11. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 19.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Davis, NC typically arrives about Nov 30. 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 11 on average, or Feb 19 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 261 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 28581 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026