Last frost date in Wilmington, NC
In Wilmington, the last spring frost comes around March 19 in an average year. Wait until April 4 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 20, which leaves 247 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 5 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 4
- Average first frost
- Nov 20
- Frost-free season
- 247 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 2
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2246°
- FriOct 2353°
- SatOct 2454°
- SunOct 2551°
- MonOct 2650°
- TueOct 2754°
- WedOct 2856°
Planting calendar for Wilmington
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across North Carolina.
TomatoesMar 26–Apr 9
PumpkinsApr 2–Apr 16
SunflowersMar 19–Apr 9
CucumbersApr 2–Apr 9
CornMar 26–Apr 9
Sweet potatoesApr 9–Apr 23
WatermelonApr 2–Apr 16
Green beansMar 26–Apr 16
ZucchiniMar 26–Apr 9
OkraApr 9–Apr 23
PeppersApr 2–Apr 16
BasilMar 26–Apr 9
Butternut squashMar 26–Apr 9
CantaloupeApr 2–Apr 16
EggplantApr 2–Apr 16
PotatoesFeb 19–Mar 5
OnionsFeb 5–Feb 26
CarrotsFeb 26–Apr 2
LettuceMar 5–Mar 26
BroccoliFeb 19–Mar 5
BeetsFeb 19–Apr 2
PeasFeb 5–Feb 19
CabbageFeb 19–Mar 5
RadishesFeb 12–Mar 26
Brussels sproutsMar 5–Mar 19
SpinachFeb 5–Feb 26
CilantroMar 5–Mar 26
KaleFeb 19–Mar 5
Collard greensFeb 19–Mar 5
TurnipsFeb 19–Mar 5
DillMar 19–Apr 2
CeleryMar 26–Apr 2
CauliflowerMar 5–Mar 19
LeeksMar 5–Mar 19
Swiss chardMar 5–Apr 2
ParsleyMar 5–Mar 26
Tulip bulbsNov 6–Dec 11
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesFeb 19–Mar 5
AsparagusFeb 19–Mar 5Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Feb 26 | Mar 19 | Apr 4 | Nov 5 | Nov 20 | Dec 6 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 4 | Mar 2 | Mar 23 | Nov 14 | Dec 3 | Jan 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 Wilmington International Airport (USW00013748) sits 4.1 miles from the center of Wilmington at 33 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 Wilmington, NC?
The average last frost date in Wilmington is March 19, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 4.
When is the first frost in Wilmington?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 20. One year in ten it arrives before November 5.
How long is the growing season in Wilmington?
About 247 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Wilmington?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 26 to April 9. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in North Carolina
- LelandMar 19
- JacksonvilleMar 23
- New BernMar 23
- GoldsboroMar 15
- FayettevilleMar 30
- GreenvilleMar 27
- ClaytonApr 7
- WilsonMar 22
- Fuquay-VarinaApr 1
- GarnerApr 1
- Holly SpringsApr 6
- KnightdaleApr 7