Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Carlton, GA
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
221 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Carlton, GA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 221-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 14 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 28 | Apr 13 | Mar 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 13 | Mar 31 | Mar 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 18 | Feb 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 5 | Feb 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 28 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 |
| 32°F | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 14 |
| 28°F | Apr 3 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 14 | Feb 3 |
| 20°F | Mar 13 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 19 | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 20 | Jan 10 |
| 16°F | Mar 4 | Feb 19 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 9 | Jan 1 |
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 16 | Oct 28 | Nov 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 17 | Dec 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 12 | Dec 3 | Jan 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 32°F | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 |
| 28°F | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 24°F | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 17 | Dec 26 | Jan 2 |
| 20°F | Nov 27 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 18 |
| 16°F | Dec 11 | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 24 | 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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Lexington, Ga, about 11.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 726 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 Carlton, GA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Carlton, GA is about Mar 31. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Carlton, GA typically arrives about Nov 6. 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 14 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 30627 Planting calendar → Georgia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026