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Frost Dates for Atlanta, GA

Last spring frost
Mar 24
First fall frost
Nov 8
Growing season
231 days

In an average year around Atlanta, GA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 24 and the first fall frost is about Nov 8, giving roughly a 231-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 2 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 10 Mar 24 Mar 2
Hard (28°F) Mar 27 Mar 9 Feb 15
Severe (24°F) Mar 15 Feb 19 Jan 22
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 22 Apr 16 Apr 13 Apr 10 Apr 7 Apr 4 Mar 31 Mar 28 Mar 21
32°F Apr 10 Apr 4 Mar 31 Mar 28 Mar 24 Mar 20 Mar 16 Mar 12 Mar 2
28°F Mar 27 Mar 21 Mar 17 Mar 13 Mar 9 Mar 3 Feb 28 Feb 24 Feb 15
24°F Mar 15 Mar 6 Feb 28 Feb 24 Feb 19 Feb 14 Feb 8 Feb 1 Jan 22
20°F Mar 4 Feb 21 Feb 12 Feb 7 Feb 1 Jan 29 Jan 22 Jan 15 Jan 5
16°F Feb 17 Feb 7 Feb 2 Jan 29 Jan 25 Jan 19 Jan 13 Jan 7 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 11
Freeze (32°F) Oct 27 Nov 8 Nov 26
Hard (28°F) Nov 4 Nov 20 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 22 Oct 24 Oct 27 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 11
32°F Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 1 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 19 Nov 26
28°F Nov 4 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 26 Dec 1 Dec 6 Dec 14
24°F Nov 15 Nov 21 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 7 Dec 13 Dec 22 Dec 31 Jan 7
20°F Dec 1 Dec 8 Dec 18 Dec 26 Jan 1 Jan 4 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 29
16°F Dec 14 Dec 26 Jan 1 Jan 4 Jan 9 Jan 14 Jan 19 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

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Atlanta Fulton Co Ap, Ga, about 6.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 840 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

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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 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 2.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Atlanta, GA typically arrives about Nov 8. 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 24 on average, or Mar 2 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 231 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 30332 Planting calendar → Georgia frost dates →

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