Frost Dates for Cary, NC
In Cary, NC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 27 and the average first fall frost around Nov 8, for a growing season of about 227 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 10, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Apex, NC weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 450 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.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Apr 10 | Oct 26 |
| 20% | Apr 6 | Nov 1 |
| 30% | Apr 3 | Nov 3 |
| 40% | Mar 31 | Nov 5 |
| 50% | Mar 27 | Nov 8 |
| 60% | Mar 24 | Nov 11 |
| 70% | Mar 20 | Nov 14 |
| 80% | Mar 16 | Nov 18 |
| 90% | Mar 8 | Nov 24 |
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.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 7 | Oct 31 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 27 | Nov 8 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 15 | Nov 21 |
Planting calendar for Cary
Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Sow or transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Sow or transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Sow or transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Sow or transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Fall sowing Sep 13 – Oct 11
Fall sowing Sep 13 – Oct 4
Fall sowing Aug 30 – Sep 13
Sow or transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Fall sowing Aug 30 – Sep 27
Transplant Mar 13 – Mar 27
Fall sowing Aug 16 – Aug 30
Transplant Mar 6 – Mar 20
Fall sowing Aug 16 – Aug 30
Fall sowing Aug 16 – Aug 30
Fall sowing Sep 27 – Oct 18
Fall sowing Aug 30 – Sep 13
Plant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Based on the average last frost (Mar 27) and first frost (Nov 8). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.