In Georgia, the last spring frost usually comes between March 14 and April 9, and the first fall frost between October 29 and November 17, depending on where you live. Most of Georgia is in USDA hardiness zones 8a 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 Georgia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 8a | March 31 | April 10 | Nov. 1 |
| Columbus | 8b | March 14 | March 24 | Nov. 16 |
| Savannah | 9a | March 12 | March 25 | Nov. 21 |
| Athens | 8b | March 31 | April 10 | Nov. 4 |
| Macon | 8b | March 29 | April 7 | Nov. 4 |
| Albany | 9a | March 19 | March 30 | Nov. 14 |
| Valdosta | 9a | March 14 | March 23 | Nov. 20 |
| Augusta | 8b | March 6 | March 19 | Nov. 26 |
| Gainesville | 8a | April 2 | April 11 | Nov. 6 |
| Milton | 8a | April 10 | April 19 | Oct. 30 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Georgia. Among the cities above, Augusta has the earliest last frost (around March 6) and Milton 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 Georgia
Most of Georgia is in USDA hardiness zones 8a 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 Georgia:
- Zone 8 (about 72% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 9 (about 24% 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 Georgia?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Georgia, the last spring frost comes between March 14 and April 9. In Atlanta, it is around March 31.
When is the first frost in Georgia?
Across most of Georgia, the first fall frost comes between October 29 and November 17. In Atlanta, it is around November 1.
What planting zone is Georgia?
Most of Georgia is in USDA hardiness zones 8a to 9a. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Georgia?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Atlanta, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around April 10. 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.