Last spring frost
Mar 20
Frost Dates for Athens, AL
First fall frost
Nov 12
Growing season
238 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Athens, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 20 and the first fall frost is about Nov 12, giving roughly a 238-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 1 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 19 | Apr 4 | Mar 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 20 | Mar 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 6 | Feb 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 19 | Jan 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 17 |
| 32°F | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 1 |
| 28°F | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 |
| 24°F | Mar 15 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 14 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 26 |
| 20°F | Mar 3 | Feb 24 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 17 | Jan 8 |
| 16°F | Feb 20 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 20 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Dec 31 |
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 22 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 12 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 24 | Dec 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 10 | Jan 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 18 |
| 24°F | Nov 16 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 9 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 10 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 16 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Dec 20 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 27 | Feb 5 |
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: Athens, Al, about 5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 689 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 Athens, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Athens, AL is about Mar 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Athens, AL typically arrives about Nov 12. 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 Mar 1 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 238 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 35613 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026