Frost Dates for Charlotte, NC
In Charlotte, NC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 30 and the average first fall frost around Nov 3, for a growing season of about 221 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 14, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Charlotte Douglas Airport, NC weather station, 7 miles away, elevation 728 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 14 | Oct 22 |
| 20% | Apr 9 | Oct 27 |
| 30% | Apr 5 | Oct 30 |
| 40% | Apr 2 | Nov 1 |
| 50% | Mar 30 | Nov 3 |
| 60% | Mar 27 | Nov 5 |
| 70% | Mar 23 | Nov 8 |
| 80% | Mar 18 | Nov 12 |
| 90% | Mar 12 | Nov 17 |
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 11 | Oct 27 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 30 | Nov 3 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 17 | Nov 14 |
Planting calendar for Charlotte
Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Sow or transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Sow or transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Sep 8 – Oct 6
Fall sowing Sep 8 – Sep 29
Fall sowing Aug 25 – Sep 8
Sow or transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Aug 25 – Sep 22
Transplant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Fall sowing Aug 11 – Aug 25
Transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Fall sowing Aug 11 – Aug 25
Fall sowing Aug 11 – Aug 25
Fall sowing Sep 22 – Oct 13
Fall sowing Aug 25 – Sep 8
Plant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Based on the average last frost (Mar 30) and first frost (Nov 3). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.