Frost dates for Wilmington, North Carolina
In a typical year, Wilmington’s last spring frost lands around Mar 19 and the first fall frost around Nov 20, a growing season of about 246 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 8b.
Right now the growing season is open, with about 26 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Feb 26 | Nov 5 |
| 50 percent | Mar 19 | Nov 20 |
| 90 percent | Apr 4 | Dec 6 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in Wilmington is typically around 64°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Wilmington
- Radish (Cherry Belle)
- Onion (Vidalia)
- Garlic (Music)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Wilmington’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Wilmington, North Carolina?
Wilmington’s last spring frost falls around March 19 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by February 26, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 4. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Wilmington?
The first fall frost arrives around November 20 in a typical year, as early as November 5 in an early year and as late as December 6 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Wilmington?
About 246 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Wilmington in?
Wilmington is in USDA hardiness zone 8b under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.
Nearby cities
- Havelock, NC (around Mar 19 to Nov 22)
- Fayetteville, NC (around Mar 30 to Nov 10)
- Greenville, NC (around Mar 27 to Nov 8)
- Florence, SC (around Mar 19 to Nov 13)
- Raleigh, NC (around Mar 28 to Nov 8)
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