Last spring frost
Apr 2
Frost Dates for Dutton, AL
First fall frost
Oct 30
Growing season
210 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Dutton, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 2 and the first fall frost is about Oct 30, giving roughly a 210-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 18 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 29 | Apr 15 | Mar 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 | Apr 2 | Mar 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 20 | Mar 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 8 | Feb 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 |
| 32°F | Apr 19 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 |
| 28°F | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 |
| 24°F | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 11 |
| 20°F | Mar 15 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 19 |
| 16°F | Mar 3 | Feb 22 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 5 |
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 10 | Oct 23 | Nov 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 18 | Oct 30 | Nov 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 8 | Nov 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 21 | Dec 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 |
| 32°F | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 |
| 28°F | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 27 |
| 24°F | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 19 |
| 20°F | Nov 15 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 17 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 17 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 17 | Jan 29 |
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: Scottsboro 2 Ne, Al, about 7.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 636 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 Dutton, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Dutton, AL is about Apr 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 18.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Dutton, AL typically arrives about Oct 30. 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 Apr 2 on average, or Mar 18 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 210 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 35744 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026