Frost Dates for Sanford, NC
In Sanford, NC, the average last spring frost is around Apr 10 and the average first fall frost around Oct 30, for a growing season of about 203 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 25, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Sanford 8 Ne, NC weather station, 8 miles away, elevation 262 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 25 | Oct 15 |
| 20% | Apr 19 | Oct 21 |
| 30% | Apr 16 | Oct 24 |
| 40% | Apr 13 | Oct 27 |
| 50% | Apr 10 | Oct 30 |
| 60% | Apr 6 | Nov 1 |
| 70% | Apr 3 | Nov 3 |
| 80% | Mar 31 | Nov 6 |
| 90% | Mar 26 | Nov 12 |
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 22 | Oct 21 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 10 | Oct 30 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 28 | Nov 7 |
Planting calendar for Sanford
Transplant Apr 17 – May 1
Transplant Apr 24 – May 8
Transplant Apr 24 – May 8
Transplant Apr 17 – May 1
Sow or transplant Apr 17 – May 1
Sow or transplant Apr 17 – May 1
Sow or transplant Apr 24 – May 8
Sow or transplant Mar 13 – Mar 27
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Oct 2
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Sep 25
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Sow or transplant Mar 13 – Mar 27
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 18
Transplant Mar 27 – Apr 10
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 21
Transplant Mar 20 – Apr 3
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 21
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 21
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 9
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Plant Mar 13 – Mar 27
Based on the average last frost (Apr 10) and first frost (Oct 30). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.