Frost dates for 27613 — Raleigh, NC
How Raleigh compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Raleigh falls between March 15 and April 16, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 23 and November 17.
- The median last frost is 1 day earlier than the North Carolina median of Apr 1.
- Its 218-day growing season is longer than 48% of the 759 North Carolina places with a regular frost season (state median 218 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 8a, where the median is Mar 29.
- The weather station records an average of 65 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 15 |
| 50% (median) | March 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 23 |
| 50% (median) | November 4 |
| 90% (late) | November 17 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Raleigh, NC
Frost dates for 27613 — Raleigh, NC — last frost Mar 31, first frost Nov 4, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Raleigh, NC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Mar 3 – Apr 7 | Sep 9 – Oct 7 |
| Kale | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Broccoli | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Cabbage | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | — | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Okra | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 21 – May 5 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — |
| Basil | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 24 – Apr 7 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 14 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 7 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 14 – May 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 21 – Nov 25 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Raleigh Durham Intl Ap, NC weather station, 7 km away (elevation 417 ft (127 m)).
ZIP codes in Raleigh: 27601 27602 27603 27604 27605 27606 27607 27608 27609 27610 27611 27612 27613 27614 27615 27616 27617 27619 27620 27621 27622 27623 27624 27625 27626 27627 27628 27629 27634 27635 27636 27640 27650 27656 27658 27661 27668 27675 27676 27690 27695 27697 27698 27699
Frost dates near Raleigh
- Morrisville Mar 31 · Nov 4
- Cary Mar 27 · Nov 8
- Wake Forest Apr 4 · Nov 4
- Rolesville Apr 4 · Nov 4
- Durham Apr 2 · Nov 4
- Apex Mar 27 · Nov 8
- Knightdale Apr 7 · Nov 3
- Creedmoor Apr 4 · Nov 4
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Raleigh, NC?
The median last spring frost in Raleigh, NC is March 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Raleigh, NC?
The median first fall frost is November 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 23.
How long is the growing season in Raleigh, NC?
About 218 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh, NC is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.