Last frost date in Hickory, NC
In Hickory, the last spring frost comes around March 31 in an average year. Wait until April 16 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 4, which leaves 219 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 22 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 16
- Average first frost
- Nov 4
- Frost-free season
- 219 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 18
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2240°
- FriOct 2342°
- SatOct 2439°
- SunOct 2539°
- MonOct 2640°
- TueOct 2744°
- WedOct 2844°
Planting calendar for Hickory
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across North Carolina.
TomatoesApr 7–Apr 21
PumpkinsApr 14–Apr 28
SunflowersMar 31–Apr 21
CucumbersApr 14–Apr 21
CornApr 7–Apr 21
Sweet potatoesApr 21–May 5
WatermelonApr 14–Apr 28
Green beansApr 7–Apr 28
ZucchiniApr 7–Apr 21
OkraApr 21–May 5
PeppersApr 14–Apr 28
BasilApr 7–Apr 21
Butternut squashApr 7–Apr 21
CantaloupeApr 14–Apr 28
EggplantApr 14–Apr 28
PotatoesMar 3–Mar 17
OnionsFeb 17–Mar 10
CarrotsMar 10–Apr 14
LettuceMar 17–Apr 7
BroccoliMar 3–Mar 17
BeetsMar 3–Apr 14
PeasFeb 17–Mar 3
CabbageMar 3–Mar 17
RadishesFeb 24–Apr 7
Brussels sproutsMar 17–Mar 31
SpinachFeb 17–Mar 10
CilantroMar 17–Apr 7
KaleMar 3–Mar 17
Collard greensMar 3–Mar 17
TurnipsMar 3–Mar 17
DillMar 31–Apr 14
CeleryApr 7–Apr 14
CauliflowerMar 17–Mar 31
LeeksMar 17–Mar 31
Swiss chardMar 17–Apr 14
ParsleyMar 17–Apr 7
Tulip bulbsOct 21–Nov 25
GarlicOct 14–Nov 18
Daffodil bulbsOct 7–Nov 18
StrawberriesMar 3–Mar 17
AsparagusMar 3–Mar 17Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 13 | Mar 31 | Apr 16 | Oct 22 | Nov 4 | Nov 18 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 26 | Mar 18 | Apr 3 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 5 |
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 Hickory Faa Airport (USW00003810) sits 3.3 miles from the center of Hickory at 1,143 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 Hickory, NC?
The average last frost date in Hickory is March 31, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 16.
When is the first frost in Hickory?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 4. One year in ten it arrives before October 22.
How long is the growing season in Hickory?
About 219 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Hickory?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 7 to April 21. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in North Carolina
- StatesvilleApr 16
- MooresvilleApr 9
- CorneliusApr 1
- ShelbyApr 12
- HuntersvilleMar 30
- GastoniaMar 27
- KannapolisApr 1
- ConcordApr 1
- CharlotteMar 30
- SalisburyApr 6
- HarrisburgApr 1
- Mint HillMar 31