Last spring frost
Mar 17
Frost Dates for Fulton, AL
First fall frost
Nov 9
Growing season
237 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Fulton, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 17 and the first fall frost is about Nov 9, giving roughly a 237-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 20 | Apr 3 | Mar 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 17 | Feb 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 21 | Mar 2 | Feb 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 12 | Feb 13 | Jan 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 14 |
| 32°F | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 |
| 28°F | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 6 |
| 24°F | Mar 12 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 15 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 17 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 18 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 |
| 16°F | Feb 13 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 10 | Jan 4 | Dec 27 |
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 17 | Oct 31 | Nov 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 9 | Nov 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 23 | Dec 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 11 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 15 |
| 32°F | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 29 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 16 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 21 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 12 | Dec 23 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 20 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Jan 22 | Jan 30 | 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: Thomasville 2 S, Al, about 6.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 350 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 Fulton, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fulton, AL is about Mar 17. 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 Fulton, AL typically arrives about Nov 9. 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 17 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 237 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 36446 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026