Last spring frost
Mar 10
Frost Dates for Fairhope, AL
First fall frost
Nov 17
Growing season
253 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Fairhope, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 10 and the first fall frost is about Nov 17, giving roughly a 253-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 20 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 13 | Mar 28 | Mar 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 10 | Feb 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 16 | Feb 26 | Jan 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 7 | Feb 8 | Jan 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 5 |
| 32°F | Mar 30 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 |
| 28°F | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 |
| 24°F | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 19 | Jan 7 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 7 | Dec 29 |
| 16°F | Feb 12 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 18 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Jan 4 | Dec 29 |
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 24 | Nov 6 | Nov 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 17 | Dec 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 11 | Dec 1 | Jan 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 24 | Dec 27 | Jan 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 |
| 32°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 6 |
| 28°F | Nov 11 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 20 | Jan 1 |
| 24°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 15 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 12 | Jan 21 |
| 20°F | Dec 7 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 26 | Feb 4 |
| 16°F | Dec 21 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 16 | Jan 21 | Jan 28 | Feb 6 |
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: Fairhope 2 Ne, Al, about 4.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 23 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 Fairhope, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fairhope, AL is about Mar 10. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Fairhope, AL typically arrives about Nov 17. 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 10 on average, or Feb 20 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 253 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 36532 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026