Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Rutherford College, NC
First fall frost
Nov 4
Growing season
219 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Rutherford College, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 4, giving roughly a 219-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 13 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 29 | Apr 13 | Mar 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 16 | Mar 31 | Mar 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 18 | Feb 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 5 | Feb 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 29 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 |
| 32°F | Apr 16 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 |
| 28°F | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 26 |
| 24°F | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 |
| 20°F | Mar 15 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 18 |
| 16°F | Mar 4 | Feb 21 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 25 | Jan 18 | Jan 12 | Jan 4 |
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 13 | Oct 26 | Nov 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 4 | Nov 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 12 | Dec 1 | Dec 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 |
| 32°F | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 5 |
| 24°F | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 24 |
| 20°F | Nov 27 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 15 |
| 16°F | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 20 | 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: Hickory Faa Ap, Nc, about 8.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,143 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 Rutherford College, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Rutherford College, NC is about Mar 31. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 13.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Rutherford College, NC typically arrives about Nov 4. 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 31 on average, or Mar 13 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 219 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 28671 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026