Frost Dates for Winston-Salem, NC
In Winston-Salem, NC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 26 and the average first fall frost around Nov 9, for a growing season of about 228 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 11, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Winston Salem Rynlds Airport, NC weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 970 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 11 | Oct 28 |
| 20% | Apr 5 | Oct 31 |
| 30% | Apr 2 | Nov 3 |
| 40% | Mar 30 | Nov 6 |
| 50% | Mar 26 | Nov 9 |
| 60% | Mar 23 | Nov 12 |
| 70% | Mar 18 | Nov 15 |
| 80% | Mar 14 | Nov 19 |
| 90% | Mar 6 | Nov 26 |
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 9 | Oct 30 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 26 | Nov 9 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 13 | Nov 23 |
Planting calendar for Winston-Salem
Transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Sow or transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Sow or transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Sow or transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Sow or transplant Feb 26 – Mar 12
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Oct 12
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Oct 5
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 14
Sow or transplant Feb 26 – Mar 12
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 28
Transplant Mar 12 – Mar 26
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Transplant Mar 5 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Fall sowing Sep 28 – Oct 19
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 14
Plant Feb 26 – Mar 12
Based on the average last frost (Mar 26) and first frost (Nov 9). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.