Last spring frost
Apr 21
Frost Dates for Old Fort, NC
First fall frost
Oct 23
Growing season
183 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Old Fort, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 21 and the first fall frost is about Oct 23, giving roughly a 183-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 6 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 20 | May 4 | Apr 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 9 | Apr 21 | Apr 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 22 | Apr 7 | Mar 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 25 | Mar 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 20 | May 14 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 |
| 32°F | May 9 | May 3 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 |
| 28°F | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 22 |
| 24°F | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 |
| 20°F | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 |
| 16°F | Mar 20 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Jan 31 |
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 1 | Oct 14 | Oct 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 9 | Oct 23 | Nov 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 16 | Nov 1 | Nov 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 9 | Nov 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 |
| 32°F | Oct 9 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 |
| 28°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 |
| 24°F | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 27 |
| 20°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 12 |
| 16°F | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 3 |
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: Old Ft Ag 3 W, Nc, about 4.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,425 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 Old Fort, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Old Fort, NC is about Apr 21. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Old Fort, NC typically arrives about Oct 23. 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 21 on average, or Apr 6 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 183 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 28762 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026