Last spring frost
Apr 7
Frost Dates for Wilkesboro, NC
First fall frost
Nov 1
Growing season
208 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Wilkesboro, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 7 and the first fall frost is about Nov 1, giving roughly a 208-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 24 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) | May 9 | Apr 21 | Apr 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 22 | Apr 7 | Mar 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 26 | Mar 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 11 | Feb 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 9 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 |
| 32°F | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 |
| 28°F | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 8 |
| 24°F | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 |
| 20°F | Mar 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 8 | Jan 31 |
| 16°F | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 11 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 19 | Jan 10 |
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 11 | Oct 24 | Nov 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 11 | Nov 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 25 | Dec 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 |
| 32°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 |
| 28°F | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 28 |
| 24°F | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 |
| 20°F | Nov 22 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 |
| 16°F | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 15 | Jan 25 |
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: W Kerr Scott Resv, Nc, about 7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,070 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 Wilkesboro, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Wilkesboro, NC is about Apr 7. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 24.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Wilkesboro, NC typically arrives about Nov 1. 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 Apr 7 on average, or Mar 24 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 208 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 28606 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026