Frost dates for 28223 — Charlotte, NC
How Charlotte compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Charlotte falls between March 16 and April 16, a 31-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 21 and November 15.
- The median last frost is the same as the North Carolina median of Apr 1.
- Its 215-day growing season is longer than 42% 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 74 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 16 |
| 50% (median) | April 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 21 |
| 50% (median) | November 2 |
| 90% (late) | November 15 |
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 28223 — Charlotte, NC — last frost Apr 1, first frost Nov 2, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Charlotte, NC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Mar 4 – Apr 8 | Sep 7 – Oct 5 |
| Kale | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Broccoli | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Cabbage | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | — | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | — | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Okra | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — |
| Basil | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | Sep 7 – Sep 28 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 25 – Apr 8 | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 4 – Mar 11 | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 4 – Mar 11 | — | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 4 – Mar 11 | — | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 4 – Mar 11 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 15 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 8 | Sep 7 – Sep 28 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 19 – Nov 23 |
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 Concord, NC weather station, 18 km away (elevation 699 ft (213 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
- Newell Apr 1 · Nov 2
- Harrisburg Apr 1 · Nov 2
- Paw Creek Mar 30 · Nov 3
- Huntersville Mar 30 · Nov 3
- Concord Apr 1 · Nov 2
- Matthews Mar 31 · Nov 5
- Midland Apr 1 · Nov 2
- Kannapolis Apr 1 · Nov 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Charlotte, NC?
The median last spring frost in Charlotte, NC is April 1. 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 Charlotte, NC?
The median first fall frost is November 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 21.
How long is the growing season in Charlotte, NC?
About 215 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.