Frost Dates for Athens, AL

In Athens, AL, the average last spring frost is around Mar 20 and the average first fall frost around Nov 12, for a growing season of about 238 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 7, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMar 2050% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 7only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 1250% chance of frost before this date
Growing season238 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Athens, AL weather station, under 1 mile away, elevation 689 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%Apr 7Nov 1
20%Apr 2Nov 3
30%Mar 29Nov 6
40%Mar 24Nov 9
50%Mar 20Nov 12
60%Mar 17Nov 15
70%Mar 13Nov 18
80%Mar 8Nov 24
90%Mar 1Dec 1

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 4Nov 1
Frost / freeze (32°F)Mar 20Nov 12
Hard freeze (28°F)Mar 6Nov 24

Planting calendar for Athens

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Jan 23 – Feb 6
Transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Peppers
Indoors Jan 9 – Jan 23
Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 9 – Jan 23
Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Basil
Indoors Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Cucumbers
Indoors Feb 20 – Feb 27
Sow or transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Feb 20 – Feb 27
Sow or transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Mar 27 – Apr 10
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Feb 20 – Feb 27
Sow or transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Green beans
Sow Mar 27 – Apr 10
Sweet corn
Sow Mar 27 – Apr 10
Lettuce
Indoors Feb 6 – Feb 20
Sow or transplant Feb 20 – Mar 6
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 15
Spinach
Sow Feb 6 – Feb 27
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 8
Peas
Sow Feb 6 – Feb 20
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Kale
Indoors Jan 23 – Feb 6
Sow or transplant Feb 20 – Mar 6
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Oct 1
Broccoli
Indoors Jan 23 – Feb 6
Transplant Mar 6 – Mar 20
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 3
Cabbage
Indoors Jan 23 – Feb 6
Transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 3
Carrots
Sow Feb 27 – Mar 20
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 3
Radishes
Sow Feb 13 – Mar 6
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 22
Beets
Sow Feb 27 – Mar 20
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Dec 26 – Jan 9
Plant Feb 20 – Mar 6
Potatoes
Plant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Garlic
Plant Nov 12 – Dec 10

Based on the average last frost (Mar 20) and first frost (Nov 12). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

MadisonDecaturHuntsvilleFlorenceGadsdenTrussvilleBirminghamHomewoodAll Alabama towns