Last frost date in Charlotte, NC
Expect the last frost in Charlotte around March 30. Frost after April 14 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 3, which leaves 221 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 22 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 14
- Average first frost
- Nov 3
- Frost-free season
- 221 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 17
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2244°
- FriOct 2345°
- SatOct 2443°
- SunOct 2543°
- MonOct 2644°
- TueOct 2748°
- WedOct 2849°
Planting calendar for Charlotte
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across North Carolina.
TomatoesApr 6–Apr 20
PumpkinsApr 13–Apr 27
SunflowersMar 30–Apr 20
CucumbersApr 13–Apr 20
CornApr 6–Apr 20
Sweet potatoesApr 20–May 4
WatermelonApr 13–Apr 27
Green beansApr 6–Apr 27
ZucchiniApr 6–Apr 20
OkraApr 20–May 4
PeppersApr 13–Apr 27
BasilApr 6–Apr 20
Butternut squashApr 6–Apr 20
CantaloupeApr 13–Apr 27
EggplantApr 13–Apr 27
PotatoesMar 2–Mar 16
OnionsFeb 16–Mar 9
CarrotsMar 9–Apr 13
LettuceMar 16–Apr 6
BroccoliMar 2–Mar 16
BeetsMar 2–Apr 13
PeasFeb 16–Mar 2
CabbageMar 2–Mar 16
RadishesFeb 23–Apr 6
Brussels sproutsMar 16–Mar 30
SpinachFeb 16–Mar 9
CilantroMar 16–Apr 6
KaleMar 2–Mar 16
Collard greensMar 2–Mar 16
TurnipsMar 2–Mar 16
DillMar 30–Apr 13
CeleryApr 6–Apr 13
CauliflowerMar 16–Mar 30
LeeksMar 16–Mar 30
Swiss chardMar 16–Apr 13
ParsleyMar 16–Apr 6
Tulip bulbsOct 20–Nov 24
GarlicOct 13–Nov 17
Daffodil bulbsOct 6–Nov 17
StrawberriesMar 2–Mar 16
AsparagusMar 2–Mar 16Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 12 | Mar 30 | Apr 14 | Oct 22 | Nov 3 | Nov 17 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 25 | Mar 17 | Apr 3 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 | Dec 2 |
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 Charlotte Douglas Airport (USW00013881) sits 7.1 miles from the center of Charlotte at 728 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 Charlotte, NC?
The average last frost date in Charlotte is March 30, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 14.
When is the first frost in Charlotte?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 3. One year in ten it arrives before October 22.
How long is the growing season in Charlotte?
About 221 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Charlotte?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 6 to April 20. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in North Carolina
- MatthewsMar 31
- Mint HillMar 31
- HarrisburgApr 1
- HuntersvilleMar 30
- Indian TrailMar 31
- ConcordApr 1
- CorneliusApr 1
- WaxhawMar 31
- GastoniaMar 27
- MonroeApr 3
- KannapolisApr 1
- MooresvilleApr 9