Frost Dates for Durham, NC 27704
Durham has 9 ZIP codes. The Durham, NC frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost April 10 · First fall frost October 27 · 200 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
Frost probability for 27704
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 27 | April 10 | March 24 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 12 | October 27 | November 10 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (17.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Durham
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 10). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| March | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| April | Last frost around April 10. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| July | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| August | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 27). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | First frost around October 27. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 200-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Durham, NC (ZIP 27704)?
The median last spring frost date for Durham, NC (ZIP code 27704) is around April 10. 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 Durham, NC?
The median first fall frost date for Durham, NC is around October 27. 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 Durham, NC?
The frost-free growing season in Durham is about 200 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 Durham, NC?
Based on frost date patterns, Durham 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 Durham, NC?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 10). For Durham, that's roughly February 14 to February 28. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Durham, NC 27703 (5.6 mi)
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- Frost dates for Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (13 mi)
- Frost dates for Hillsborough, NC 27278 (14.7 mi)
- When to plant in Durham, 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
- When to plant Basil in NC
- When to plant Sweet Corn in NC
- Look up another ZIP