In Alabama, the last spring frost usually comes between March 13 and April 11, and the first fall frost between October 26 and November 15, depending on where you live. Most of Alabama is in USDA hardiness zones 7b to 9a.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for Alabama cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 8a | March 30 | April 8 | Nov. 6 |
| Montgomery | 8b | March 20 | March 31 | Nov. 6 |
| Mobile | 9a | March 3 | March 15 | Nov. 28 |
| Huntsville | 8a | April 10 | April 20 | Oct. 25 |
| Tuscaloosa | 8b | March 25 | April 4 | Nov. 5 |
| Dothan | 9a | March 10 | March 21 | Nov. 15 |
| Auburn | 8b | March 21 | April 3 | Nov. 10 |
| Florence | 8a | April 3 | April 13 | Oct. 30 |
| Phenix City | 8b | March 14 | March 24 | Nov. 16 |
| Gadsden | 8a | March 27 | April 7 | Nov. 7 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Alabama. Among the cities above, Mobile has the earliest last frost (around March 3) and Huntsville the latest (around April 10), about 5 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in Alabama
Most of Alabama is in USDA hardiness zones 7b to 9a. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 245 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Alabama:
- Zone 7 (about 7% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 8 (about 83% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 9 (about 11% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Alabama?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Alabama, the last spring frost comes between March 13 and April 11. In Birmingham, it is around March 30.
When is the first frost in Alabama?
Across most of Alabama, the first fall frost comes between October 26 and November 15. In Birmingham, it is around November 6.
What planting zone is Alabama?
Most of Alabama is in USDA hardiness zones 7b to 9a. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Alabama?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Birmingham, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around April 8. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 8.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.