Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Nelson, GA
First fall frost
Nov 5
Growing season
221 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Nelson, GA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 5, giving roughly a 221-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 11 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 1 | Apr 14 | Mar 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 18 | Mar 31 | Mar 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 17 | Feb 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 2 | Feb 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 1 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 |
| 32°F | Apr 18 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 11 |
| 28°F | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 22 |
| 24°F | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 3 |
| 20°F | Mar 13 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 16 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 17 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 20 | Jan 12 | Jan 4 |
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 15 | Oct 27 | Nov 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 5 | Nov 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 18 | Dec 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 11 | Dec 3 | Dec 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 32°F | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 26 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 |
| 24°F | Nov 11 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 31 |
| 20°F | Nov 23 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 16 |
| 16°F | Dec 7 | Dec 15 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 29 |
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: Jasper 1 Nnw, Ga, about 6.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,465 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 Nelson, GA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Nelson, GA is about Mar 31. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 11.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Nelson, GA typically arrives about Nov 5. 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 11 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 221 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 30177 Planting calendar → Georgia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026