Last frost date in Cary, NC
Expect the last frost in Cary around March 27. Frost after April 10 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 8, which leaves 227 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 26 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 10
- Average first frost
- Nov 8
- Frost-free season
- 227 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 2241°
- FriOct 2344°
- SatOct 2444°
- SunOct 2543°
- MonOct 2643°
- TueOct 2748°
- WedOct 2850°
Planting calendar for Cary
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across North Carolina.
TomatoesApr 3–Apr 17
PumpkinsApr 10–Apr 24
SunflowersMar 27–Apr 17
CucumbersApr 10–Apr 17
CornApr 3–Apr 17
Sweet potatoesApr 17–May 1
WatermelonApr 10–Apr 24
Green beansApr 3–Apr 24
ZucchiniApr 3–Apr 17
OkraApr 17–May 1
PeppersApr 10–Apr 24
BasilApr 3–Apr 17
Butternut squashApr 3–Apr 17
CantaloupeApr 10–Apr 24
EggplantApr 10–Apr 24
PotatoesFeb 27–Mar 13
OnionsFeb 13–Mar 6
CarrotsMar 6–Apr 10
LettuceMar 13–Apr 3
BroccoliFeb 27–Mar 13
BeetsFeb 27–Apr 10
PeasFeb 13–Feb 27
CabbageFeb 27–Mar 13
RadishesFeb 20–Apr 3
Brussels sproutsMar 13–Mar 27
SpinachFeb 13–Mar 6
CilantroMar 13–Apr 3
KaleFeb 27–Mar 13
Collard greensFeb 27–Mar 13
TurnipsFeb 27–Mar 13
DillMar 27–Apr 10
CeleryApr 3–Apr 10
CauliflowerMar 13–Mar 27
LeeksMar 13–Mar 27
Swiss chardMar 13–Apr 10
ParsleyMar 13–Apr 3
Tulip bulbsOct 25–Nov 29
GarlicOct 18–Nov 22
Daffodil bulbsOct 11–Nov 22
StrawberriesFeb 27–Mar 13
AsparagusFeb 27–Mar 13Frost 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 27 | Apr 10 | Oct 26 | Nov 8 | Nov 24 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 24 | Mar 15 | Mar 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 21 | Dec 12 |
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 Apex (USC00310212) sits 2.8 miles from the center of Cary at 450 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 Cary, NC?
The average last frost date in Cary is March 27, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 10.
When is the first frost in Cary?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 8. One year in ten it arrives before October 26.
How long is the growing season in Cary?
About 227 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Cary?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 3 to April 17. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in North Carolina
- MorrisvilleMar 31
- ApexMar 27
- Holly SpringsApr 6
- RaleighMar 28
- Fuquay-VarinaApr 1
- GarnerApr 1
- DurhamApr 2
- Chapel HillMar 29
- CarrboroMar 31
- KnightdaleApr 7
- Wake ForestApr 4
- ClaytonApr 7