Last spring frost
Mar 29
Frost Dates for Rainsville, AL
First fall frost
Nov 8
Growing season
225 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Rainsville, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 29 and the first fall frost is about Nov 8, giving roughly a 225-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 7 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 26 | Apr 10 | Mar 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 16 | Mar 29 | Mar 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 14 | Feb 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 19 | Feb 25 | Jan 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 |
| 32°F | Apr 16 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 7 |
| 28°F | Apr 5 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 18 |
| 24°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Jan 28 |
| 20°F | Mar 9 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 21 | Jan 11 |
| 16°F | Feb 25 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 22 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 2 |
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 19 | Oct 31 | Nov 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 8 | Nov 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 20 | Dec 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 5 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 |
| 32°F | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 29 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 12 |
| 24°F | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 27 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 3 | Jan 10 | Jan 18 |
| 16°F | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 15 | Jan 21 | Jan 31 |
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: Ft Payne, Al, about 8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 917 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 Rainsville, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Rainsville, AL is about Mar 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Rainsville, 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 29 on average, or Mar 7 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 225 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 35986 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026