Frost Dates for Charlotte, NC 28277
Charlotte has 29 ZIP codes. The Charlotte, NC frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost March 29 · First fall frost November 8 · 224 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
Frost probability for 28277
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 15 | March 29 | March 11 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 21 | November 8 | November 25 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (22.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Charlotte
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 29). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| February | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| March | Last frost around March 29. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| April | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| June | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| July | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| August | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| September | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| October | First fall frost approaching (around November 8). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| November | First frost around November 8. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| December | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
What grows in a 224-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Charlotte, NC (ZIP 28277)?
The median last spring frost date for Charlotte, NC (ZIP code 28277) is around March 29. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.
What is the first fall frost date in Charlotte, NC?
The median first fall frost date for Charlotte, NC is around November 8. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.
How long is the growing season in Charlotte, NC?
The frost-free growing season in Charlotte is about 224 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.
What USDA hardiness zone is Charlotte, NC?
Based on frost date patterns, Charlotte falls approximately in 8a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Charlotte, NC?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 29). For Charlotte, that's roughly February 2 to February 16. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
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- When to plant in Charlotte, NC: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in NC
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- When to plant Cucumbers in NC
- When to plant Zucchini in NC
- When to plant Butternut Squash in NC
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- When to plant Sweet Corn in NC
- Look up another ZIP