Last frost date in Burlington, NC
In Burlington, the last spring frost comes around March 29 in an average year. Wait until April 15 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 9, which leaves 226 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 26 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 15
- Average first frost
- Nov 9
- Frost-free season
- 226 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 15
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2240°
- FriOct 2341°
- SatOct 2442°
- SunOct 2541°
- MonOct 2642°
- TueOct 2747°
- WedOct 2848°
Planting calendar for Burlington
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across North Carolina.
TomatoesApr 5–Apr 19
PumpkinsApr 12–Apr 26
SunflowersMar 29–Apr 19
CucumbersApr 12–Apr 19
CornApr 5–Apr 19
Sweet potatoesApr 19–May 3
WatermelonApr 12–Apr 26
Green beansApr 5–Apr 26
ZucchiniApr 5–Apr 19
OkraApr 19–May 3
PeppersApr 12–Apr 26
BasilApr 5–Apr 19
Butternut squashApr 5–Apr 19
CantaloupeApr 12–Apr 26
EggplantApr 12–Apr 26
PotatoesMar 1–Mar 15
OnionsFeb 15–Mar 8
CarrotsMar 8–Apr 12
LettuceMar 15–Apr 5
BroccoliMar 1–Mar 15
BeetsMar 1–Apr 12
PeasFeb 15–Mar 1
CabbageMar 1–Mar 15
RadishesFeb 22–Apr 5
Brussels sproutsMar 15–Mar 29
SpinachFeb 15–Mar 8
CilantroMar 15–Apr 5
KaleMar 1–Mar 15
Collard greensMar 1–Mar 15
TurnipsMar 1–Mar 15
DillMar 29–Apr 12
CeleryApr 5–Apr 12
CauliflowerMar 15–Mar 29
LeeksMar 15–Mar 29
Swiss chardMar 15–Apr 12
ParsleyMar 15–Apr 5
Tulip bulbsOct 26–Nov 30
GarlicOct 19–Nov 23
Daffodil bulbsOct 12–Nov 23
StrawberriesMar 1–Mar 15
AsparagusMar 1–Mar 15Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 8 | Mar 29 | Apr 15 | Oct 26 | Nov 9 | Nov 25 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | Apr 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 23 | Dec 14 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Burlington Fire Station #5 (USC00311239) sits 1.6 miles from the center of Burlington at 660 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Burlington, NC?
The average last frost date in Burlington is March 29, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 15.
When is the first frost in Burlington?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 9. One year in ten it arrives before October 26.
How long is the growing season in Burlington?
About 226 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Burlington?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 5 to April 19. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in North Carolina
- GrahamApr 4
- MebaneApr 4
- GreensboroApr 1
- CarrboroMar 31
- Chapel HillMar 29
- High PointMar 30
- AsheboroApr 5
- DurhamApr 2
- KernersvilleMar 30
- ThomasvilleMar 30
- MorrisvilleMar 31
- ApexMar 27