Frost Dates for Fayetteville, NC

In Fayetteville, NC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 30 and the average first fall frost around Nov 10, for a growing season of about 227 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 16, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMar 3050% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 16only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 1050% chance of frost before this date
Growing season227 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Fayetteville (Pwc), NC weather station, 7 miles away, elevation 96 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 16Oct 28
20%Apr 9Nov 1
30%Apr 5Nov 4
40%Apr 2Nov 7
50%Mar 30Nov 10
60%Mar 26Nov 13
70%Mar 22Nov 17
80%Mar 17Nov 22
90%Mar 9Nov 29

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 9Nov 1
Frost / freeze (32°F)Mar 30Nov 10
Hard freeze (28°F)Mar 16Nov 23

Planting calendar for Fayetteville

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Peppers
Indoors Jan 19 – Feb 2
Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 19 – Feb 2
Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Basil
Indoors Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 2 – Mar 9
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 2 – Mar 9
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 6 – Apr 20
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 2 – Mar 9
Sow or transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Green beans
Sow Apr 6 – Apr 20
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 6 – Apr 20
Lettuce
Indoors Feb 16 – Mar 2
Sow or transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Oct 13
Spinach
Sow Feb 16 – Mar 9
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Oct 6
Peas
Sow Feb 16 – Mar 2
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 15
Kale
Indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16
Sow or transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 29
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Carrots
Sow Mar 9 – Mar 30
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Radishes
Sow Feb 23 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Sep 29 – Oct 20
Beets
Sow Mar 9 – Mar 30
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 15
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 5 – Jan 19
Plant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Potatoes
Plant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Garlic
Plant Nov 10 – Dec 8

Based on the average last frost (Mar 30) and first frost (Nov 10). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

SanfordFuquay-VarinaHolly SpringsApexGarnerCaryClaytonMorrisvilleAll North Carolina towns