In North Carolina, the last spring frost usually comes between March 30 and April 25, and the first fall frost between October 18 and November 9, depending on where you live. Most of North Carolina is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8b.
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 North Carolina 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 8a | April 5 | April 14 | Oct. 30 |
| Raleigh | 8a | April 3 | April 12 | Nov. 4 |
| Greensboro | 8a | April 5 | April 14 | Oct. 31 |
| Winston-Salem | 8a | April 2 | April 11 | Nov. 3 |
| Fayetteville | 8b | April 5 | April 16 | Nov. 4 |
| Wilmington | 8b | March 26 | April 4 | Nov. 13 |
| Greenville | 8a | April 2 | April 10 | Nov. 3 |
| Asheville | 7b | April 13 | April 24 | Oct. 26 |
| Jacksonville | 8b | March 31 | April 7 | Nov. 9 |
| Chapel Hill | 8a | April 5 | April 14 | Oct. 30 |
Frost dates vary a lot across North Carolina. Among the cities above, Wilmington has the earliest last frost (around March 26) and Asheville the latest (around April 13), about 3 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 North Carolina
Most of North Carolina is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8b. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 229 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in North Carolina:
- Zone 7 (about 23% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 8 (about 73% 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 North Carolina?
It depends on where you live. Across most of North Carolina, the last spring frost comes between March 30 and April 25. In Charlotte, it is around April 5.
When is the first frost in North Carolina?
Across most of North Carolina, the first fall frost comes between October 18 and November 9. In Charlotte, it is around October 30.
What planting zone is North Carolina?
Most of North Carolina is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8b. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in North Carolina?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Charlotte, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around April 14. 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.