Last spring frost
Apr 22
Frost Dates for Murphy, NC
First fall frost
Oct 20
Growing season
180 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Murphy, NC, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 22 and the first fall frost is about Oct 20, giving roughly a 180-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 7 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 | May 4 | Apr 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 7 | Apr 22 | Apr 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 27 | Apr 9 | Mar 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 28 | Mar 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 18 | May 13 | May 9 | May 6 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 |
| 32°F | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 |
| 28°F | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 21 |
| 24°F | Apr 14 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 4 |
| 20°F | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 14 |
| 16°F | Mar 21 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 28 |
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 13 | Oct 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 8 | Oct 20 | Nov 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 16 | Oct 30 | Nov 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 10 | Nov 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 26 |
| 32°F | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 2 |
| 28°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 14 |
| 24°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 29 |
| 20°F | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 17 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | 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: Murphy 4Ese, Nc, about 3.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,600 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 Murphy, NC?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Murphy, NC is about Apr 22. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Murphy, NC typically arrives about Oct 20. 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 22 on average, or Apr 7 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 180 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 28902 Planting calendar → North Carolina frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026