Last spring frost
Mar 20
Frost Dates for Muscle Shoals, AL
First fall frost
Nov 8
Growing season
233 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Muscle Shoals, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 20 and the first fall frost is about Nov 8, giving roughly a 233-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 28 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 16 | Apr 2 | Mar 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 20 | Feb 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 6 | Feb 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 13 | Feb 20 | Jan 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 16 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 |
| 32°F | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Feb 28 |
| 28°F | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 |
| 24°F | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 28 |
| 20°F | Mar 1 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 18 | Jan 7 |
| 16°F | Feb 22 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 25 | Jan 20 | Jan 15 | Jan 8 | Jan 1 |
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 16 | Oct 29 | Nov 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 8 | Nov 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 20 | Dec 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 6 | Jan 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 |
| 32°F | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 26 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 |
| 24°F | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 28 | Jan 4 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 14 | Jan 24 |
| 16°F | Dec 15 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | 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: Muscle Shoals Rgnl Ap, Al, about 2.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 540 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 Muscle Shoals, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Muscle Shoals, AL is about Mar 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Muscle Shoals, 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 20 on average, or Feb 28 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 233 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 35661 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026