When is the last frost in Decatur, AL?

The average last spring frost (50% probability of 32°F) in Decatur is around March 26, based on NOAA/NCEI 1991–2020 normals at the Decatur 4se, AL station (4.7 mi away). Half of years it falls outside that date, so wait 1–2 weeks past it before setting out frost-tender plants.

When is the first fall frost in Decatur?

The average first fall frost in Decatur, AL is around November 7, giving roughly a 228-day frost-free growing season.

What planting zone is Decatur, AL?

Decatur is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8a (average annual extreme minimum temperature 10 to 15°F), from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

What is the weather like in Decatur?

In Decatur, AL the warmest month is July (avg high 89.3°F) and the coldest is January (avg low 29.7°F). It averages about 54.5″ of precipitation a year and 1.1″ of snow.

Home › Alabama › Decatur

Decatur, AL Planting Calendar & Frost Dates

USDA hardiness zone 8a · ZIP 35601 · elevation 184′ · NOAA & USDA data

Decatur is in USDA hardiness zone 8a (winters can dip to 10 to 15°F), with a growing season of about 228 days between the average last spring frost (March 26) and first fall frost (November 7). The warmest month is July (avg high 89.3°F); the coldest is January (avg low 29.7°F). It averages 54.5″ of precipitation a year and 1.1″ of snow, mostly mid-winter. Start cool-season crops several weeks before the last frost; wait until after it for tomatoes, peppers and other tender crops.

Hardiness zone

min temp 10 to 15°F

Last spring frost

March 26

avg (50% prob, 32°F)

First fall frost

November 7

avg (50% prob, 32°F)

Growing season

228 days

frost-free window

Warmest month

July

avg high 89.3°F

Month-by-month typical weather in Decatur

Average conditions from the NOAA/NCEI 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals at Belle Mina 2 N, AL (9.2 mi away). Temperatures °F, precipitation & snow in inches.

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Mean	Precip (in)	Snow (in)
January	49.2	29.7	39.5	5.3	0.2
February	53.4	32.4	42.9	5.1	0.5
March	62.3	39.2	50.8	5.1	0.3
April	71.2	47.2	59.2	5.1	0
May	79.3	56.9	68.1	4.6	0
June	86.3	64.8	75.6	4	0
July	89.3	67.8	78.5	4.5	0
August	89	66	77.5	3.4	0
September	84	59.6	71.8	3.9	0
October	73.5	47.9	60.7	3.5	0
November	61.2	37.6	49.4	4.2	0
December	52.4	32.4	42.4	5.9	0.1

What to plant when in Decatur

Crop	Season	What to do & when
Tomatoes	warm	Start seeds indoors: February 12 · Transplant out: April 2
Peppers	warm	Start seeds indoors: January 29 · Transplant out: April 9
Cucumbers	warm	Direct sow: April 2
Zucchini / squash	warm	Direct sow: April 2
Bush beans	warm	Direct sow: April 2
Sweet corn	warm	Direct sow: April 2
Basil	warm	Transplant out: April 2
Peas	cool	Sow (spring): February 19 · Sow (fall): September 12
Spinach	cool	Sow (spring): February 12 · Sow (fall): September 12
Lettuce	cool	Sow (spring): February 26 · Sow (fall): September 12
Kale	cool	Transplant (spring): March 5 · Sow (fall): August 29
Broccoli	cool	Transplant (spring): March 12
Carrots	cool	Sow (spring): March 5 · Sow (fall): August 29
Onions	cool	Transplant (spring): February 26
Potatoes	cool	Plant seed potatoes: March 12
Radishes	cool	Sow (spring): February 26 · Sow (fall): September 26

Dates are computed from Decatur's average frost dates using standard cool-/warm-season timing. They're a starting point — a cold spring, a warm microclimate, or a fast-maturing variety can shift them by a week or two.

Want the exact dates for your yard? →
Look up your precise ZIP-code frost dates and a full 26-crop planting calendar on our free interactive tool.
Open the frost & planting tool

🌾 Get a frost reminder

One email in early spring and early fall with the dates for your area. No spam.

Gear that helps you plant on time

Some links below are Amazon affiliate links (tag theboringthin-20). If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it keeps this almanac free. We only list generic, genuinely-useful categories.

Soil thermometer →Know when the ground is warm enough to sow — the honest signal, not the calendar.Seed-starting trays + dome →Start tomatoes & peppers indoors on the schedule below.Seedling heat mat →Warms the soil for faster, more even germination indoors.Floating row cover / frost cloth →Buys you 4–8°F to beat an early or late frost.Raised garden bed kit →Warms and drains faster in spring than in-ground soil.Garden gloves →Basic kit for transplant day.

Nearby cities in Alabama

Madison, AL Huntsville, AL Florence, AL Birmingham, AL Tuscaloosa, AL Montgomery, AL Auburn, AL Phenix City, AL

Sources & method. Hardiness zone: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). Frost dates & growing season: NOAA/NCEI 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest station with published freeze normals — Decatur 4se, AL, 4.7 mi (confidence: high). Monthly weather normals: Belle Mina 2 N, AL, 9.2 mi (confidence: high). ZIP centroid from U.S. Census 2023 ZCTA data. Frost dates are the 50%-probability date — half of years frost occurs outside the stated date. Nothing here is invented; where the nearest station is far, we say so. Last updated 2026-07-22.