Last frost date in Durham, NC
Expect the last frost in Durham around April 2. Frost after April 18 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 4, which leaves 217 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 24 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 18
- Average first frost
- Nov 4
- Frost-free season
- 217 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 19
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2241°
- FriOct 2343°
- SatOct 2442°
- SunOct 2543°
- MonOct 2643°
- TueOct 2748°
- WedOct 2849°
Planting calendar for Durham
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across North Carolina.
TomatoesApr 9–Apr 23
PumpkinsApr 16–Apr 30
SunflowersApr 2–Apr 23
CucumbersApr 16–Apr 23
CornApr 9–Apr 23
Sweet potatoesApr 23–May 7
WatermelonApr 16–Apr 30
Green beansApr 9–Apr 30
ZucchiniApr 9–Apr 23
OkraApr 23–May 7
PeppersApr 16–Apr 30
BasilApr 9–Apr 23
Butternut squashApr 9–Apr 23
CantaloupeApr 16–Apr 30
EggplantApr 16–Apr 30
PotatoesMar 5–Mar 19
OnionsFeb 19–Mar 12
CarrotsMar 12–Apr 16
LettuceMar 19–Apr 9
BroccoliMar 5–Mar 19
BeetsMar 5–Apr 16
PeasFeb 19–Mar 5
CabbageMar 5–Mar 19
RadishesFeb 26–Apr 9
Brussels sproutsMar 19–Apr 2
SpinachFeb 19–Mar 12
CilantroMar 19–Apr 9
KaleMar 5–Mar 19
Collard greensMar 5–Mar 19
TurnipsMar 5–Mar 19
DillApr 2–Apr 16
CeleryApr 9–Apr 16
CauliflowerMar 19–Apr 2
LeeksMar 19–Apr 2
Swiss chardMar 19–Apr 16
ParsleyMar 19–Apr 9
Tulip bulbsOct 21–Nov 25
GarlicOct 14–Nov 18
Daffodil bulbsOct 7–Nov 18
StrawberriesMar 5–Mar 19
AsparagusMar 5–Mar 19Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 15 | Apr 2 | Apr 18 | Oct 24 | Nov 4 | Nov 19 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 28 | Mar 19 | Apr 6 | Nov 2 | Nov 16 | Dec 7 |
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 Durham (USC00312515) sits 5.7 miles from the center of Durham at 400 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 Durham, NC?
The average last frost date in Durham is April 2, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 18.
When is the first frost in Durham?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 4. One year in ten it arrives before October 24.
How long is the growing season in Durham?
About 217 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Durham?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 9 to April 23. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in North Carolina
- Chapel HillMar 29
- MorrisvilleMar 31
- CarrboroMar 31
- CaryMar 27
- ApexMar 27
- RaleighMar 28
- Wake ForestApr 4
- MebaneApr 4
- Holly SpringsApr 6
- GarnerApr 1
- KnightdaleApr 7
- Fuquay-VarinaApr 1