Last frost date in Clayton, NC
In Clayton, the last spring frost comes around April 7 in an average year. Wait until April 20 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 3, which leaves 211 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 22 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 20
- Average first frost
- Nov 3
- Frost-free season
- 211 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 27
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2241°
- FriOct 2345°
- SatOct 2445°
- SunOct 2544°
- MonOct 2645°
- TueOct 2749°
- WedOct 2851°
Planting calendar for Clayton
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across North Carolina.
TomatoesApr 14–Apr 28
PumpkinsApr 21–May 5
SunflowersApr 7–Apr 28
CucumbersApr 21–Apr 28
CornApr 14–Apr 28
Sweet potatoesApr 28–May 12
WatermelonApr 21–May 5
Green beansApr 14–May 5
ZucchiniApr 14–Apr 28
OkraApr 28–May 12
PeppersApr 21–May 5
BasilApr 14–Apr 28
Butternut squashApr 14–Apr 28
CantaloupeApr 21–May 5
EggplantApr 21–May 5
PotatoesMar 10–Mar 24
OnionsFeb 24–Mar 17
CarrotsMar 17–Apr 21
LettuceMar 24–Apr 14
BroccoliMar 10–Mar 24
BeetsMar 10–Apr 21
PeasFeb 24–Mar 10
CabbageMar 10–Mar 24
RadishesMar 3–Apr 14
Brussels sproutsMar 24–Apr 7
SpinachFeb 24–Mar 17
CilantroMar 24–Apr 14
KaleMar 10–Mar 24
Collard greensMar 10–Mar 24
TurnipsMar 10–Mar 24
DillApr 7–Apr 21
CeleryApr 14–Apr 21
CauliflowerMar 24–Apr 7
LeeksMar 24–Apr 7
Swiss chardMar 24–Apr 21
ParsleyMar 24–Apr 14
Tulip bulbsOct 20–Nov 24
GarlicOct 13–Nov 17
Daffodil bulbsOct 6–Nov 17
StrawberriesMar 10–Mar 24
AsparagusMar 10–Mar 24Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 23 | Apr 7 | Apr 20 | Oct 22 | Nov 3 | Nov 16 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 7 | Mar 27 | Apr 12 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 | Dec 1 |
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 Clayton Water Plant (USC00311820) sits 1.5 miles from the center of Clayton at 300 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 Clayton, NC?
The average last frost date in Clayton is April 7, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 20.
When is the first frost in Clayton?
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 Clayton?
About 211 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Clayton?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 14 to April 28. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in North Carolina
- KnightdaleApr 7
- GarnerApr 1
- RaleighMar 28
- Fuquay-VarinaApr 1
- Wake ForestApr 4
- Holly SpringsApr 6
- CaryMar 27
- ApexMar 27
- MorrisvilleMar 31
- WilsonMar 22
- GoldsboroMar 15
- DurhamApr 2