Last spring frost
Mar 18
Frost Dates for St. Stephens, AL
First fall frost
Nov 12
Growing season
239 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around St. Stephens, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 18 and the first fall frost is about Nov 12, giving roughly a 239-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 25 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 1 | Mar 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 18 | Feb 25 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 21 | Mar 1 | Feb 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 11 | Feb 13 | Jan 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 14 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 11 |
| 32°F | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 |
| 28°F | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 4 |
| 24°F | Mar 11 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 10 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 16 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 18 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 |
| 16°F | Feb 18 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Jan 3 | Dec 25 |
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 | Nov 1 | Nov 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 12 | Dec 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 25 | Dec 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 14 | Jan 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 17 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 3 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 27 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 14 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 20 |
| 20°F | Dec 5 | Dec 13 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 25 | Feb 2 |
| 16°F | Dec 13 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 18 | Jan 24 | Jan 31 | Feb 9 |
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: Jackson, Al, about 9.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 220 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 St. Stephens, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around St. Stephens, AL is about Mar 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 25.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around St. Stephens, AL typically arrives about Nov 12. 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 18 on average, or Feb 25 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 239 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 36569 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026