Last spring frost
Mar 20
Frost Dates for Tuscaloosa, AL
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
235 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Tuscaloosa, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 20 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 235-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 18 | Apr 2 | Mar 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 20 | Feb 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 27 | Mar 4 | Feb 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 18 | Jan 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 |
| 28°F | Mar 27 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 |
| 20°F | Mar 5 | Feb 25 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 25 | Jan 18 | Jan 5 |
| 16°F | Feb 19 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 9 | Dec 29 |
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 21 | Nov 2 | Nov 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 11 | Nov 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 22 | Dec 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 7 | Jan 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 |
| 28°F | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 17 |
| 24°F | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 |
| 20°F | Nov 29 | Dec 7 | Dec 18 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 19 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Dec 13 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Jan 28 | Feb 4 |
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: Bankhead L&D, Al, about 11.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 280 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 Tuscaloosa, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Tuscaloosa, AL is about Mar 20. 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 Tuscaloosa, AL typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 20 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 235 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 35475 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026