Last spring frost
Apr 18
Frost Dates for Avery Creek, NC
First fall frost
Oct 21
Growing season
186 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Avery Creek, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 18 and the first fall frost is about Oct 21, giving roughly a 186-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 1 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 15 | Apr 30 | Apr 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 4 | Apr 18 | Apr 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 21 | Apr 4 | Mar 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 21 | Mar 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 15 | May 10 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 |
| 32°F | May 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 1 |
| 28°F | Apr 21 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 |
| 24°F | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 1 |
| 20°F | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 11 |
| 16°F | Mar 15 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 21 |
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) | Sep 30 | Oct 12 | Oct 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 8 | Oct 21 | Nov 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 17 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 12 | Dec 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 |
| 32°F | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 |
| 28°F | Oct 17 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 |
| 24°F | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 23 |
| 16°F | Nov 21 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 13 |
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: Fletcher 3 W, Nc, about 2.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,070 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 Avery Creek, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Avery Creek, NC is about Apr 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Avery Creek, NC typically arrives about Oct 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 Apr 18 on average, or Apr 1 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 186 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 28704 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026