Last spring frost
Mar 15
Frost Dates for Waycross, GA
First fall frost
Nov 17
Growing season
246 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Waycross, GA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 15 and the first fall frost is about Nov 17, giving roughly a 246-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 20 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 17 | Mar 31 | Mar 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 15 | Feb 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 1 | Jan 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 10 | Feb 7 | Jan 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 8 |
| 32°F | Apr 3 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 20 |
| 28°F | Mar 23 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 9 | Jan 31 |
| 24°F | Mar 10 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 19 | Jan 5 |
| 20°F | Feb 27 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 7 | Dec 30 |
| 16°F | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 20 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Jan 2 |
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 23 | Nov 6 | Nov 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 17 | Dec 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 1 | Dec 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 22 | Dec 21 | Jan 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 6 |
| 28°F | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 31 |
| 24°F | Nov 22 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 11 | Jan 23 |
| 20°F | Dec 6 | Dec 17 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 19 | Jan 28 | Feb 7 |
| 16°F | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 20 | Jan 28 | Feb 1 | Feb 7 | Feb 13 |
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: Waycross 4 Ne, Ga, about 2.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 145 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 Waycross, GA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Waycross, GA is about Mar 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Waycross, GA typically arrives about Nov 17. 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 20 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 246 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 31501 Planting calendar → Georgia frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026