Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Enka, NC

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring

As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.

While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.

Key dates for your spring planting:

  • By May 26, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around May 2, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before April 16, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them

If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Mar 18 Mar 9 Mar 3 Feb 25 Feb 20 Feb 15 Feb 9 Feb 2 Jan 22
Last 20° Mar 23 Mar 17 Mar 13 Mar 9 Mar 5 Mar 2 Feb 26 Feb 21 Feb 15
Last 24° Mar 31 Mar 27 Mar 24 Mar 22 Mar 19 Mar 17 Mar 15 Mar 12 Mar 8
Last 28° Apr 16 Apr 11 Apr 7 Apr 3 Mar 31 Mar 28 Mar 25 Mar 21 Mar 15
Last 32° May 14 May 5 Apr 28 Apr 23 Apr 18 Apr 12 Apr 7 Mar 31 Mar 22
Last 36° May 26 May 18 May 12 May 7 May 2 Apr 27 Apr 22 Apr 16 Apr 8

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Enka, NC, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.

The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:

1
Early warning: Around October 3, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 11, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 19, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past October 19 without a freezing night

These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Nov 15 Nov 26 Dec 4 Dec 10 Dec 17 Dec 23 Dec 30 Jan 8 Jan 21
First 20° Oct 27 Nov 7 Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 29 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 20 Dec 31
First 24° Oct 23 Oct 29 Nov 2 Nov 6 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 22 Nov 28
First 28° Oct 8 Oct 13 Oct 17 Oct 20 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 29 Nov 2 Nov 7
First 32° Sep 29 Oct 3 Oct 6 Oct 9 Oct 11 Oct 14 Oct 16 Oct 19 Oct 24
First 36° Sep 22 Sep 26 Sep 29 Oct 2 Oct 4 Oct 6 Oct 9 Oct 11 Oct 16

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

Or enter a new zipcode:

Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.