Frost dates for 35253 — Birmingham, AL
How Birmingham compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Birmingham falls between February 28 and April 8, a 39-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 30 and December 1.
- The median last frost is 2 days earlier than the Alabama median of Mar 23.
- Its 235-day growing season is longer than 57% of the 574 Alabama places with a regular frost season (state median 231 days).
- The last frost is 5 days later than the zone 8b median of Mar 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 47 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 28 |
| 50% (median) | March 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 30 |
| 50% (median) | November 11 |
| 90% (late) | December 1 |
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 35253 — Birmingham, AL — last frost Mar 21, first frost Nov 11, zone 8b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Birmingham, AL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 27 – Jan 10 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Feb 21 – Mar 28 | Sep 16 – Oct 14 |
| Kale | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Broccoli | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | — | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Cabbage | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | — | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | — | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Okra | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — |
| Basil | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 28 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 28 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 14 – Mar 28 | Sep 30 – Oct 21 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | — | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | — | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 28 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 28 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 21 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 7 – Apr 4 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 7 – Mar 28 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 28 – Dec 2 |
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 Birmingham Ap, AL weather station, 17 km away (elevation 617 ft (188 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
- Watson Mar 21 · Nov 11
- Docena Mar 21 · Nov 11
- Adamsville Mar 21 · Nov 11
- Pleasant Grove Mar 23 · Nov 10
- Fairfield Mar 23 · Nov 10
- Dolomite Mar 23 · Nov 10
- Brookside Mar 21 · Nov 11
- Mulga Mar 23 · Nov 10
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Birmingham, AL?
The median last spring frost in Birmingham, AL is March 21. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 8, 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 11, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 30.
How long is the growing season in Birmingham, AL?
About 235 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.