When is the last frost in Gulf Shores, AL?

For ZIP code 36542, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 31, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Dauphin Is #2, AL weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 27.

When is the first frost in Gulf Shores, AL?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 6. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 12, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 36542?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 340 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.

Frost dates for 36542Gulf Shores, AL

The average last spring frost in Gulf Shores is January 31 and the average first fall frost is January 6, giving a typical growing season of about 340 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 31
Average first fall frost: Jan 6
Growing season: 340 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.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
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)	Jan 14 · Feb 11 · Mar 10	Nov 27 · Dec 28 · Jan 21	313 days	98%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Jan 1 · Jan 31 · Feb 27	Dec 12 · Jan 6 · Feb 2	340 days	79%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 26 · Jan 21 · Feb 11	Dec 20 · Jan 13 · Feb 4	365 days	44%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 36542 is matched to the NOAA station Dauphin Is #2, AL, 30.7 km away, at 8 ft elevation (5 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Dauphin Is #2, AL (used)	8 ft	Jan 31	Jan 6
Fairhope 2 Ne, AL	23 ft	Mar 10	Nov 17
Fairhope 3 Ne, AL	95 ft	Mar 15	Nov 19
Robertsdale, AL	161 ft	Mar 5	Nov 23

Frost dates near Gulf Shores

Bon Secour, AL 36511 · last Mar 10, first Nov 17
Gulf Shores, AL 36547 · last Jan 31, first Jan 6
Magnolia Springs, AL 36555 · last Mar 10, first Nov 17
Foley, AL 36535 · last Mar 5, first Nov 23
Orange Beach, AL 36561 · last Feb 28, first Nov 29
Elberta, AL 36530 · last Mar 5, first Nov 23
Summerdale, AL 36580 · last Mar 5, first Nov 23
Fairhope, AL 36533 · last Mar 10, first Nov 17

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Gulf Shores, AL?: For ZIP code 36542, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 31, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Dauphin Is #2, AL weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 27.
When is the first frost in Gulf Shores, AL?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 6. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 12, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 36542?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 340 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.