Last spring frost
Apr 23
Frost Dates for Sky Valley, NC
First fall frost
Oct 17
Growing season
175 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Sky Valley, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 23 and the first fall frost is about Oct 17, giving roughly a 175-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 24 | May 7 | Apr 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 11 | Apr 23 | Apr 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 28 | Apr 8 | Mar 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 26 | Mar 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 24 | May 17 | May 13 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 21 |
| 32°F | May 11 | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 6 |
| 28°F | Apr 28 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 |
| 24°F | Apr 11 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 4 |
| 20°F | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 14 |
| 16°F | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | 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 22 | Oct 7 | Oct 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 4 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 28 | Nov 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 8 | Nov 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 22 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 |
| 32°F | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 |
| 28°F | Oct 12 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 |
| 24°F | Oct 24 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 26 |
| 20°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 16 |
| 16°F | Nov 17 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 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: Coweeta Exp Stn, Nc, about 6.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,247 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 Sky Valley, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Sky Valley, NC is about Apr 23. 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 Sky Valley, NC typically arrives about Oct 17. 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 23 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 175 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 28775 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026