Last spring frost
Mar 15
Frost Dates for Riverdale, GA
First fall frost
Nov 20
Growing season
252 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Riverdale, GA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 15 and the first fall frost is about Nov 20, giving roughly a 252-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 23 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 16 | Mar 29 | Mar 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 15 | Feb 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 20 | Feb 28 | Feb 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 12 | Feb 11 | Jan 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 16 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 32°F | Apr 4 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 |
| 28°F | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 1 |
| 24°F | Mar 12 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 22 | Jan 12 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 17 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 10 | Dec 31 |
| 16°F | Feb 15 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 25 | Jan 20 | Jan 15 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | 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 28 | Nov 7 | Nov 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 20 | Dec 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 5 | Jan 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 29 | Dec 25 | Jan 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 25 |
| 32°F | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 10 |
| 28°F | Nov 14 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 17 | Dec 25 | Jan 3 |
| 24°F | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 11 | Jan 19 |
| 20°F | Dec 10 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 15 | Jan 21 | Jan 27 | Feb 3 |
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: Atlanta Hartsfield Intl Ap, Ga, about 4.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,010 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 Riverdale, GA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Riverdale, GA is about Mar 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Riverdale, GA typically arrives about Nov 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 Mar 15 on average, or Feb 23 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 252 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 30296 Planting calendar → Georgia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026