Last spring frost
Apr 26
Frost Dates for Asheville, NC
First fall frost
Oct 18
Growing season
175 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Asheville, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 26 and the first fall frost is about Oct 18, giving roughly a 175-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 10 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 22 | May 6 | Apr 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 12 | Apr 26 | Apr 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 30 | Apr 12 | Mar 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 30 | Mar 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 22 | May 15 | May 12 | May 10 | May 6 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 21 |
| 32°F | May 12 | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 |
| 28°F | Apr 30 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 |
| 24°F | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 |
| 20°F | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 22 |
| 16°F | Mar 20 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 | 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) | Sep 24 | Oct 9 | Oct 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 18 | Oct 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 13 | Oct 28 | Nov 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 5 | Nov 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 24 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 |
| 32°F | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 |
| 28°F | Oct 13 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 24°F | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 23 |
| 20°F | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 16°F | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Jan 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: Bent Creek, Nc, about 4.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,110 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 Asheville, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Asheville, NC is about Apr 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 10.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Asheville, NC typically arrives about Oct 18. 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 26 on average, or Apr 10 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 28803 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026