Last spring frost
Mar 5
Frost Dates for McRae-Helena, GA
First fall frost
Nov 24
Growing season
263 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around McRae-Helena, GA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 5 and the first fall frost is about Nov 24, giving roughly a 263-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 8 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 7 | Mar 19 | Feb 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 5 | Feb 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 14 | Feb 16 | Jan 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 7 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Feb 27 |
| 32°F | Mar 26 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 8 |
| 28°F | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 17 |
| 24°F | Mar 4 | Feb 22 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 17 | Jan 9 | Jan 2 |
| 20°F | Feb 19 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 26 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 25 |
| 16°F | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 15 | Jan 11 | Jan 8 | Jan 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 28 |
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 29 | Nov 10 | Nov 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 24 | Dec 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 9 | Jan 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 2 | Jan 1 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 |
| 32°F | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 17 |
| 28°F | Nov 18 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 17 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 12 |
| 24°F | Dec 2 | Dec 10 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 20 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Dec 11 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 27 | Feb 4 |
| 16°F | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 20 | Jan 25 | Jan 31 |
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: Eastman 1 W, Ga, about 16.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 400 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 McRae-Helena, GA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around McRae-Helena, GA is about Mar 5. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around McRae-Helena, GA typically arrives about Nov 24. 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 5 on average, or Feb 8 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 263 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 31037 Planting calendar → Georgia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026