Last frost date in Jacksonville, NC
Expect the last frost in Jacksonville around March 23. Frost after April 7 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 16, which leaves 240 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 1 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 7
- Average first frost
- Nov 16
- Frost-free season
- 240 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 8
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2243°
- FriOct 2349°
- SatOct 2450°
- SunOct 2549°
- MonOct 2648°
- TueOct 2752°
- WedOct 2855°
Planting calendar for Jacksonville
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across North Carolina.
TomatoesMar 30–Apr 13
PumpkinsApr 6–Apr 20
SunflowersMar 23–Apr 13
CucumbersApr 6–Apr 13
CornMar 30–Apr 13
Sweet potatoesApr 13–Apr 27
WatermelonApr 6–Apr 20
Green beansMar 30–Apr 20
ZucchiniMar 30–Apr 13
OkraApr 13–Apr 27
PeppersApr 6–Apr 20
BasilMar 30–Apr 13
Butternut squashMar 30–Apr 13
CantaloupeApr 6–Apr 20
EggplantApr 6–Apr 20
PotatoesFeb 23–Mar 9
OnionsFeb 9–Mar 2
CarrotsMar 2–Apr 6
LettuceMar 9–Mar 30
BroccoliFeb 23–Mar 9
BeetsFeb 23–Apr 6
PeasFeb 9–Feb 23
CabbageFeb 23–Mar 9
RadishesFeb 16–Mar 30
Brussels sproutsMar 9–Mar 23
SpinachFeb 9–Mar 2
CilantroMar 9–Mar 30
KaleFeb 23–Mar 9
Collard greensFeb 23–Mar 9
TurnipsFeb 23–Mar 9
DillMar 23–Apr 6
CeleryMar 30–Apr 6
CauliflowerMar 9–Mar 23
LeeksMar 9–Mar 23
Swiss chardMar 9–Apr 6
ParsleyMar 9–Mar 30
Tulip bulbsNov 2–Dec 7
GarlicOct 26–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 19–Nov 30
StrawberriesFeb 23–Mar 9
AsparagusFeb 23–Mar 9Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 2 | Mar 23 | Apr 7 | Nov 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 7 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 29 | Nov 11 | Dec 1 | Dec 31 |
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 NEW River Mcaf (USW00093727) sits 2.1 miles from the center of Jacksonville at 26 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 Jacksonville, NC?
The average last frost date in Jacksonville is March 23, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 7.
When is the first frost in Jacksonville?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 16. One year in ten it arrives before November 1.
How long is the growing season in Jacksonville?
About 240 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Jacksonville?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 30 to April 13. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in North Carolina
- New BernMar 23
- WilmingtonMar 19
- LelandMar 19
- GoldsboroMar 15
- GreenvilleMar 27
- WilsonMar 22
- ClaytonApr 7
- Rocky MountMar 31
- FayettevilleMar 30
- GarnerApr 1
- KnightdaleApr 7
- Fuquay-VarinaApr 1