Last spring frost
Apr 2
Frost Dates for Marion, AL
First fall frost
Nov 2
Growing season
215 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Marion, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 2 and the first fall frost is about Nov 2, giving roughly a 215-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 15 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) | May 1 | Apr 16 | Mar 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 | Apr 2 | Mar 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 18 | Feb 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 3 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 |
| 32°F | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 15 |
| 28°F | Apr 7 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 |
| 24°F | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Mar 13 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 13 |
| 16°F | Mar 1 | Feb 20 | Feb 10 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 8 | Dec 31 |
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 12 | Oct 25 | Nov 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 2 | Nov 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 13 | Dec 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 27 | Dec 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 |
| 32°F | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 18 |
| 28°F | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 3 |
| 24°F | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 14 | Dec 29 |
| 20°F | Nov 18 | Nov 27 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 18 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jan 20 |
| 16°F | Dec 3 | Dec 15 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 16 | Jan 23 | Feb 2 |
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: Centreville 6 Sw, Al, about 12.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 450 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 Marion, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Marion, AL is about Apr 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Marion, AL typically arrives about Nov 2. 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 Apr 2 on average, or Mar 15 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 215 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 36756 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026