Last frost date in Sanford, NC
Expect the last frost in Sanford around April 10. Frost after April 25 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 30, which leaves 203 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 15 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 25
- Average first frost
- Oct 30
- Frost-free season
- 203 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 28
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2238°
- FriOct 2341°
- SatOct 2441°
- SunOct 2543°
- MonOct 2641°
- TueOct 2747°
- WedOct 2849°
Planting calendar for Sanford
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across North Carolina.
TomatoesApr 17–May 1
PumpkinsApr 24–May 8
SunflowersApr 10–May 1
CucumbersApr 24–May 1
CornApr 17–May 1
Sweet potatoesMay 1–May 15
WatermelonApr 24–May 8
Green beansApr 17–May 8
ZucchiniApr 17–May 1
OkraMay 1–May 15
PeppersApr 24–May 8
BasilApr 17–May 1
Butternut squashApr 17–May 1
CantaloupeApr 24–May 8
EggplantApr 24–May 8
PotatoesMar 13–Mar 27
OnionsFeb 27–Mar 20
CarrotsMar 20–Apr 24
LettuceMar 27–Apr 17
BroccoliMar 13–Mar 27
BeetsMar 13–Apr 24
PeasFeb 27–Mar 13
CabbageMar 13–Mar 27
RadishesMar 6–Apr 17
Brussels sproutsMar 27–Apr 10
SpinachFeb 27–Mar 20
CilantroMar 27–Apr 17
KaleMar 13–Mar 27
Collard greensMar 13–Mar 27
TurnipsMar 13–Mar 27
DillApr 10–Apr 24
CeleryApr 17–Apr 24
CauliflowerMar 27–Apr 10
LeeksMar 27–Apr 10
Swiss chardMar 27–Apr 24
ParsleyMar 27–Apr 17
Tulip bulbsOct 16–Nov 20
GarlicOct 9–Nov 13
Daffodil bulbsOct 2–Nov 13
StrawberriesMar 13–Mar 27
AsparagusMar 13–Mar 27Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 26 | Apr 10 | Apr 25 | Oct 15 | Oct 30 | Nov 12 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 9 | Mar 28 | Apr 11 | Oct 26 | Nov 7 | Nov 25 |
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 Sanford 8 NE (USC00317656) sits 7.8 miles from the center of Sanford at 262 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 Sanford, NC?
The average last frost date in Sanford is April 10, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 25.
When is the first frost in Sanford?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 30. One year in ten it arrives before October 15.
How long is the growing season in Sanford?
About 203 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Sanford?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 17 to May 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in North Carolina
- Holly SpringsApr 6
- ApexMar 27
- Fuquay-VarinaApr 1
- CaryMar 27
- CarrboroMar 31
- MorrisvilleMar 31
- FayettevilleMar 30
- Chapel HillMar 29
- GarnerApr 1
- DurhamApr 2
- RaleighMar 28
- AsheboroApr 5