Last spring frost
Jan 31
Frost Dates for Gulf Shores, AL
First fall frost
Jan 6
Growing season
340 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Gulf Shores, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 31 and the first fall frost is about Jan 6, giving roughly a 340-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 1 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) | Mar 10 | Feb 11 | Jan 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Feb 27 | Jan 31 | Jan 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 11 | Jan 21 | Dec 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 7 | Jan 21 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 10 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 25 | Jan 14 |
| 32°F | Feb 27 | Feb 17 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 1 |
| 28°F | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 3 | Dec 26 |
| 24°F | Feb 7 | Feb 2 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 13 | Jan 6 | 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) | Nov 27 | Dec 28 | Jan 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Dec 12 | Jan 6 | Feb 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 20 | Jan 13 | Feb 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 30 | Jan 17 | Feb 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 27 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 12 | Jan 21 |
| 32°F | Dec 12 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 17 | Jan 25 | Feb 2 |
| 28°F | Dec 20 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 17 | Jan 23 | Jan 31 | Feb 4 |
| 24°F | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 17 | Jan 23 | Jan 30 | Feb 1 | 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: Dauphin Is #2, Al, about 19.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 8 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 Gulf Shores, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gulf Shores, AL is about Jan 31. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gulf Shores, AL typically arrives about Jan 6. 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 Jan 31 on average, or Jan 1 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 340 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 36542 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026