Last spring frost
Apr 17
Frost Dates for Whittier, NC
First fall frost
Oct 21
Growing season
186 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Whittier, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 17 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 18 | Apr 30 | Apr 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 6 | Apr 17 | Apr 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 17 | Apr 2 | Mar 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 21 | Feb 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 18 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 |
| 32°F | May 6 | Apr 29 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 |
| 28°F | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 15 |
| 24°F | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Feb 27 |
| 20°F | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 8 |
| 16°F | Mar 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 19 |
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 29 | Oct 12 | Oct 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 21 | Nov 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 16 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 10 | Dec 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 29 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 26 |
| 32°F | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 |
| 28°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 14 |
| 24°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 27 |
| 16°F | Nov 22 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 17 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | 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: Cherokee, Nc, about 5.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,965 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 Whittier, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Whittier, NC is about Apr 17. 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 Whittier, 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 17 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 28789 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026