Frost dates for 35242 — Birmingham, AL
How Birmingham compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Birmingham falls between February 26 and April 9, a 42-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 26 and November 29.
- The median last frost is 4 days earlier than the Alabama median of Mar 23.
- Its 234-day growing season is longer than 54% of the 574 Alabama places with a regular frost season (state median 231 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 8b, where the median is Mar 16.
- The weather station records an average of 51 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 26 |
| 50% (median) | March 19 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 26 |
| 50% (median) | November 8 |
| 90% (late) | November 29 |
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 Birmingham, AL
Frost dates for 35242 — Birmingham, AL — last frost Mar 19, first frost Nov 8, zone 8b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Birmingham, AL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 25 – Jan 8 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Feb 19 – Mar 26 | Sep 13 – Oct 11 |
| Kale | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Broccoli | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Cabbage | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | — | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Okra | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — |
| Basil | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 26 | Sep 27 – Oct 18 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | — | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | — | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 19 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 5 – Apr 2 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 25 – Nov 29 |
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 Helena, AL weather station, 17 km away (elevation 479 ft (146 m)).
ZIP codes in Birmingham: 35201 35202 35203 35204 35205 35206 35207 35208 35209 35210 35211 35212 35213 35214 35215 35216 35217 35218 35219 35220 35221 35222 35223 35224 35226 35228 35229 35231 35232 35233 35234 35235 35236 35237 35238 35242 35243 35244 35246 35249 35253 35254 35255 35259 35260 35261 35266 35270 35282 35283 35285 35287 35288 35290 35291 35292 35293 35294 35295 35296 …
Frost dates near Birmingham
- Chelsea Mar 19 · Nov 8
- Pelham Mar 19 · Nov 8
- Westover Mar 31 · Nov 2
- Shannon Mar 23 · Nov 10
- Siluria Mar 19 · Nov 8
- Leeds Mar 21 · Nov 11
- Saginaw Mar 12 · Nov 16
- Sterrett Mar 31 · Nov 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Birmingham, AL?
The median last spring frost in Birmingham, AL is March 19. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 9, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Birmingham, AL?
The median first fall frost is November 8, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 26.
How long is the growing season in Birmingham, AL?
About 234 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Birmingham, AL?
Birmingham, AL is in USDA hardiness zone 8b.