Last spring frost
Mar 19
Frost Dates for Epes, AL
First fall frost
Nov 8
Growing season
239 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Epes, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 19 and the first fall frost is about Nov 8, giving roughly a 239-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 26 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 20 | Apr 2 | Mar 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 8 | Mar 19 | Feb 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 2 | Feb 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 14 | Feb 15 | Jan 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 14 |
| 32°F | Apr 8 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 |
| 28°F | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 8 |
| 24°F | Mar 14 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 17 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 9 | Dec 29 |
| 16°F | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 8 | Jan 1 | Dec 24 |
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 20 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 8 | Nov 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 22 | Dec 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 8 | Jan 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 14 |
| 32°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 29 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 14 |
| 24°F | Nov 15 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 11 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 16 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Jan 25 | 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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Gainesville Lock, Al, about 8.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 125 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 Epes, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Epes, AL is about Mar 19. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Epes, AL 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 19 on average, or Feb 26 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 239 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 35460 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026