Frost dates for 28221 — Charlotte, NC
How Charlotte compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Charlotte falls between March 12 and April 14, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 22 and November 17.
- The median last frost is 2 days 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 58 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 12 |
| 50% (median) | March 30 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 22 |
| 50% (median) | November 3 |
| 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 Charlotte, NC
Frost dates for 28221 — Charlotte, NC — last frost Mar 30, first frost Nov 3, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Charlotte, NC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 2 – Apr 6 | Sep 8 – Oct 6 |
| Kale | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Broccoli | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Cabbage | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Okra | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Apr 20 – May 4 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — |
| Basil | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 16 – Mar 9 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 16 – Mar 9 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 23 – Apr 6 | Sep 22 – Oct 13 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 2 – Mar 9 | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 2 – Mar 9 | — | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 2 – Mar 9 | — | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 2 – Mar 9 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 9 – Apr 6 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 9 – Apr 6 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 9 – Mar 30 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 13 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 6 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 6 – Apr 27 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 13 – May 4 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 20 – Nov 24 |
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 Charlotte Douglas Ap, NC weather station, 14 km away (elevation 728 ft (222 m)).
ZIP codes in Charlotte: 28201 28202 28203 28204 28205 28206 28207 28208 28209 28210 28211 28212 28213 28214 28215 28216 28217 28218 28219 28220 28221 28222 28223 28224 28226 28227 28228 28229 28230 28231 28232 28233 28234 28235 28236 28237 28241 28242 28243 28244 28246 28247 28250 28253 28254 28255 28256 28258 28260 28262 28263 28265 28266 28269 28270 28271 28272 28273 28274 28275 …
Frost dates near Charlotte
- Paw Creek Mar 30 · Nov 3
- Newell Apr 1 · Nov 2
- Matthews Mar 31 · Nov 5
- Harrisburg Apr 1 · Nov 2
- Huntersville Mar 30 · Nov 3
- Mount Holly Mar 27 · Nov 9
- Belmont Mar 30 · Nov 3
- Pineville Mar 30 · Nov 3
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Charlotte, NC?
The median last spring frost in Charlotte, NC is March 30. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Charlotte, NC?
The median first fall frost is November 3, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 22.
How long is the growing season in Charlotte, NC?
About 218 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte, NC is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.