Frost Dates for New Bern, NC

In New Bern, NC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 23 and the average first fall frost around Nov 15, for a growing season of about 237 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 7, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMar 2350% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 7only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 1550% chance of frost before this date
Growing season237 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the New Bern Craven Co Airport, NC weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 19 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 5
30%Mar 30Nov 8
40%Mar 27Nov 12
50%Mar 23Nov 15
60%Mar 20Nov 18
70%Mar 17Nov 21
80%Mar 12Nov 24
90%Mar 6Dec 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 3
Frost / freeze (32°F)Mar 23Nov 15
Hard freeze (28°F)Mar 12Nov 28

Planting calendar for New Bern

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Jan 26 – Feb 9
Transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Peppers
Indoors Jan 12 – Jan 26
Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 12 – Jan 26
Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Basil
Indoors Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Cucumbers
Indoors Feb 23 – Mar 2
Sow or transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Feb 23 – Mar 2
Sow or transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Mar 30 – Apr 13
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Feb 23 – Mar 2
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Green beans
Sow Mar 30 – Apr 13
Sweet corn
Sow Mar 30 – Apr 13
Lettuce
Indoors Feb 9 – Feb 23
Sow or transplant Feb 23 – Mar 9
Fall sowing Sep 20 – Oct 18
Spinach
Sow Feb 9 – Mar 2
Fall sowing Sep 20 – Oct 11
Peas
Sow Feb 9 – Feb 23
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Sep 20
Kale
Indoors Jan 26 – Feb 9
Sow or transplant Feb 23 – Mar 9
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Oct 4
Broccoli
Indoors Jan 26 – Feb 9
Transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Cabbage
Indoors Jan 26 – Feb 9
Transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Carrots
Sow Mar 2 – Mar 23
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Radishes
Sow Feb 16 – Mar 9
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Oct 25
Beets
Sow Mar 2 – Mar 23
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Sep 20
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Dec 29 – Jan 12
Plant Feb 23 – Mar 9
Potatoes
Plant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Garlic
Plant Nov 15 – Dec 13

Based on the average last frost (Mar 23) and first frost (Nov 15). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

JacksonvilleGreenvilleGoldsboroWilsonRocky MountWilmingtonLelandClaytonAll North Carolina towns