Harman US

Frost Dates for Rome, AL

Last spring frost
Mar 29
First fall frost
Nov 3
Growing season
219 days
Hardiness zone
8a

In an average year around Rome, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 29 and the first fall frost is about Nov 3, giving roughly a 219-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 12 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.

Last spring frost - Rome, AL
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 28 Apr 11 Mar 25
Freeze (32°F) Apr 15 Mar 29 Mar 12
Hard (28°F) Apr 3 Mar 16 Feb 25
Severe (24°F) Mar 23 Mar 2 Feb 4
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 4 Mar 31 Mar 25
32°F Apr 15 Apr 9 Apr 5 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 26 Mar 21 Mar 17 Mar 12
28°F Apr 3 Mar 29 Mar 24 Mar 19 Mar 16 Mar 12 Mar 7 Mar 2 Feb 25
24°F Mar 23 Mar 17 Mar 13 Mar 7 Mar 2 Feb 26 Feb 20 Feb 14 Feb 4
20°F Mar 12 Mar 2 Feb 23 Feb 16 Feb 10 Feb 4 Jan 31 Jan 23 Jan 12
16°F Feb 27 Feb 14 Feb 6 Feb 1 Jan 28 Jan 22 Jan 17 Jan 9 Jan 2

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.

First fall frost - Rome, AL
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Oct 12 Oct 25 Nov 6
Freeze (32°F) Oct 22 Nov 3 Nov 18
Hard (28°F) Oct 30 Nov 14 Dec 2
Severe (24°F) Nov 9 Dec 1 Dec 28
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Oct 12 Oct 16 Oct 20 Oct 22 Oct 25 Oct 27 Oct 30 Nov 2 Nov 6
32°F Oct 22 Oct 25 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 3 Nov 5 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 18
28°F Oct 30 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 17 Nov 22 Nov 27 Dec 2
24°F Nov 9 Nov 15 Nov 20 Nov 25 Dec 1 Dec 3 Dec 8 Dec 15 Dec 28
20°F Nov 23 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 21 Dec 29 Jan 3 Jan 9 Jan 19
16°F Dec 9 Dec 21 Dec 29 Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 12 Jan 18 Jan 24 Feb 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

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Rome R B Russell Ap, Ga, about 8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 639 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
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 Rome, AL?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Rome, AL is about Mar 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 12.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Rome, AL typically arrives about Nov 3. 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 29 on average, or Mar 12 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 219 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 30165 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026