Last spring frost
Mar 21
Frost Dates for Smiths Station, AL
First fall frost
Nov 18
Growing season
243 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Smiths Station, AL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 21 and the first fall frost is about Nov 18, giving roughly a 243-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 21 | Apr 5 | Mar 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 13 | Mar 21 | Feb 25 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 3 | Feb 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 21 | Feb 14 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 15 |
| 32°F | Apr 13 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 |
| 28°F | Apr 2 | Mar 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 3 |
| 24°F | Mar 21 | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Mar 7 | Feb 25 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Dec 31 |
| 16°F | Feb 26 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 19 | Jan 15 | Jan 8 | Dec 30 |
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 23 | Nov 5 | Nov 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 18 | Dec 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 8 | Dec 1 | Dec 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 25 | Dec 21 | Jan 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 |
| 28°F | Nov 8 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 25 |
| 24°F | Nov 25 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 19 |
| 20°F | Dec 9 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 23 | Feb 4 |
| 16°F | Dec 23 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 21 | Jan 28 | Feb 2 | Feb 14 |
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: Mulberry Grove, Ga, about 7.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 501 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 Smiths Station, AL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Smiths Station, AL is about Mar 21. 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 Smiths Station, AL typically arrives about Nov 18. 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 21 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 243 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 36874 Planting calendar → Alabama frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026