Frost dates for 30326Atlanta, GA
The average last spring frost in Atlanta is March 25 and the average first fall frost is November 9, giving a typical growing season of about 228 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 25
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 9
- Growing season
- 228 days
Safer after Apr 12 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 26 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 6 days
Frost risk by date
NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.
| Temperature | Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance | First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance | Growing season (50%) | Years with at least one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Mar 21 · Apr 7 · Apr 22 | Oct 17 · Oct 29 · Nov 12 | 205 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 5 · Mar 25 · Apr 12 | Oct 26 · Nov 9 · Nov 27 | 228 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 18 · Mar 12 · Mar 31 | Nov 4 · Nov 22 · Dec 14 | 256 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Atlanta
Planting windows from the University of Maryland Extension calendar, shifted to your average frost dates. Use them as a starting point and adjust for seed packet instructions and local conditions.
| Crop | Task | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | Feb 22 – Apr 30 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Jul 20 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Feb 22 – Mar 25 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Apr 24 – May 25 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Mar 11 – Apr 9 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 24 – May 25 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 24 – Jul 30 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 10 – May 25 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 24 – May 25 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 10 – Aug 22 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 10 – Jul 20 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Apr 24 – May 25 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Apr 17 – May 10 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 22 – Apr 9 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Feb 22 – Apr 24 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 11 – Feb 7 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 11 – Apr 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Feb 4 – Mar 10 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 11 – Apr 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 10 – Jul 20 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 9 – Aug 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 22 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 22 – Mar 25 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jun 30 – Jul 30 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 30 – Aug 30 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 22 – May 10 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 30 – Sep 15 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 31 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 16 – Sep 20 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 22 – Apr 14 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 30 – Sep 30 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 11 – Mar 31 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 23 – Aug 30 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 25 – May 10 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 30 – Aug 15 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Oct 30 – Nov 30 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 30326 is matched to the NOAA station Atlanta Peachtree Ap, GA, 6 km away, at 1,002 ft elevation (51 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Peachtree Ap, GA (used) | 1,002 ft | Mar 25 | Nov 9 |
| Atlanta Fulton Co Ap, GA | 840 ft | Mar 24 | Nov 8 |
| Mableton 1 N, GA | 980 ft | Mar 27 | Nov 7 |
| Atlanta Hartsfield Intl Ap, GA | 1,010 ft | Mar 15 | Nov 20 |
Frost dates near Atlanta
- Atlanta, GA 30305 · last Mar 25, first Nov 9
- Decatur, GA 30033 · last Mar 25, first Nov 9
- Scottdale, GA 30079 · last Mar 25, first Nov 9
- Clarkston, GA 30021 · last Mar 25, first Nov 9
- Avondale Estates, GA 30002 · last Mar 25, first Nov 9
- Tucker, GA 30085 · last Mar 25, first Nov 9
- Smyrna, GA 30080 · last Mar 25, first Nov 9
- Marietta, GA 30067 · last Mar 25, first Nov 9
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Atlanta, GA?
- For ZIP code 30326, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 25, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Atlanta Peachtree Ap, GA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 12.
- When is the first frost in Atlanta, GA?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 9. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 26, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 30326?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 228 days long.
- Are these frost dates a forecast?
- No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.