Frost Dates for Raleigh, NC
In Raleigh, NC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 28 and the average first fall frost around Nov 8, for a growing season of about 229 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 12, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Raleigh State Univ, NC weather station, 4 miles away, elevation 400 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 12 | Oct 28 |
| 20% | Apr 7 | Nov 1 |
| 30% | Apr 3 | Nov 4 |
| 40% | Apr 1 | Nov 6 |
| 50% | Mar 28 | Nov 8 |
| 60% | Mar 24 | Nov 12 |
| 70% | Mar 20 | Nov 16 |
| 80% | Mar 16 | Nov 20 |
| 90% | Mar 8 | Nov 27 |
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 28 | Nov 8 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 14 | Nov 23 |
Planting calendar for Raleigh
Transplant Apr 4 – Apr 18
Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 25
Transplant Apr 11 – Apr 25
Transplant Apr 4 – Apr 18
Sow or transplant Apr 4 – Apr 18
Sow or transplant Apr 4 – Apr 18
Sow or transplant Apr 11 – Apr 25
Sow or transplant Feb 28 – Mar 14
Fall sowing Sep 13 – Oct 11
Fall sowing Sep 13 – Oct 4
Fall sowing Aug 30 – Sep 13
Sow or transplant Feb 28 – Mar 14
Fall sowing Aug 30 – Sep 27
Transplant Mar 14 – Mar 28
Fall sowing Aug 16 – Aug 30
Transplant Mar 7 – Mar 21
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 28 – Mar 14
Based on the average last frost (Mar 28) and first frost (Nov 8). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.