Harman US

Frost Dates for Atlanta, GA

Last spring frost
Mar 25
First fall frost
Nov 9
Growing season
228 days
Hardiness zone
8a

In an average year around Atlanta, GA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 25 and the first fall frost is about Nov 9, giving roughly a 228-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 5 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 - Atlanta, GA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 22 Apr 7 Mar 21
Freeze (32°F) Apr 12 Mar 25 Mar 5
Hard (28°F) Mar 31 Mar 12 Feb 18
Severe (24°F) Mar 17 Feb 23 Jan 26
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 22 Apr 17 Apr 14 Apr 10 Apr 7 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 28 Mar 21
32°F Apr 12 Apr 5 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 25 Mar 22 Mar 17 Mar 12 Mar 5
28°F Mar 31 Mar 25 Mar 20 Mar 16 Mar 12 Mar 7 Mar 2 Feb 26 Feb 18
24°F Mar 17 Mar 10 Mar 5 Feb 28 Feb 23 Feb 17 Feb 10 Feb 3 Jan 26
20°F Mar 5 Feb 26 Feb 17 Feb 10 Feb 3 Jan 30 Jan 25 Jan 16 Jan 7
16°F Feb 23 Feb 10 Feb 4 Jan 31 Jan 26 Jan 21 Jan 16 Jan 9 Dec 31

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 - Atlanta, GA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Oct 17 Oct 29 Nov 12
Freeze (32°F) Oct 26 Nov 9 Nov 27
Hard (28°F) Nov 4 Nov 22 Dec 14
Severe (24°F) Nov 15 Dec 7 Jan 7
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Oct 17 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 26 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 12
32°F Oct 26 Oct 30 Nov 2 Nov 5 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 27
28°F Nov 4 Nov 9 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 22 Nov 26 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 14
24°F Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 7 Dec 14 Dec 24 Dec 30 Jan 7
20°F Dec 1 Dec 8 Dec 15 Dec 24 Dec 30 Jan 2 Jan 8 Jan 14 Jan 22
16°F Dec 15 Dec 25 Dec 31 Jan 4 Jan 10 Jan 15 Jan 20 Jan 28 Feb 6

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: Atlanta Peachtree Ap, Ga, about 3.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,002 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 Atlanta, GA?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Atlanta, GA is about Mar 25. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 5.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Atlanta, GA typically arrives about Nov 9. 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 25 on average, or Mar 5 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 228 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 30326 Planting calendar → Georgia frost dates →

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