Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Porterdale, GA
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
220 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Porterdale, GA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 220-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 8 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) | Apr 28 | Apr 11 | Mar 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 16 | Mar 31 | Mar 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 16 | Feb 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 1 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 28 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 25 |
| 32°F | Apr 16 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 8 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 |
| 24°F | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Mar 14 | Mar 4 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 11 |
| 16°F | Mar 2 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Dec 29 |
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 16 | Oct 27 | Nov 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 6 | Nov 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 17 | Dec 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 11 | Dec 3 | Jan 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 32°F | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 24 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 |
| 24°F | Nov 11 | Nov 17 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 | Dec 27 | Jan 4 |
| 20°F | Nov 25 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 14 | Jan 26 |
| 16°F | Dec 10 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 19 | Jan 25 | Feb 5 |
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: Mcdonough 5 Ene, Ga, about 6.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 708 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 Porterdale, GA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Porterdale, GA is about Mar 31. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Porterdale, GA typically arrives about Nov 6. 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 Mar 31 on average, or Mar 8 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 220 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 30016 Planting calendar → Georgia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026