Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 28741 — Highlands, NC

ZIP code 28741 (Highlands, Macon County) is in USDA zone 7a: the coldest winter night averages 0 to 5 °F. The median last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost October 15.

Where ZIP 28741 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone7a0 to 5 °F

Coldest night−17.8 to −15 °C

Last frostApr 30

First frostOct 15

2012 zone6b

Was 6b on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 7a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Highlands, NC…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Highlands, NC

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostApril 30median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 17only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 15median — 10% chance by Oct 3

Growing season167 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 16 and returns around October 26.

From the NOAA station Highlands, NC — within 1 mile, elevation 3,852 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 28741

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 19 – Apr 2

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 19 – Apr 9

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 19 – Mar 5

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 9 – Apr 23

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 2 – Apr 16

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 9 – Apr 23

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 2 – Apr 16

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 9 – Apr 23

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 5 – Mar 19

TomatoesTransplant · May 7 – May 21

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 19 – Mar 5

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 14 – May 28

BeansSow outdoors · May 7 – May 21

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 7 – May 21

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 7 – May 21

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 20 – Sep 3

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 1 – Nov 5

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 30) and first fall frost (Oct 15) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 28741 came on Mar 2 — 14 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 16).

average
Mar 162026
Mar 2

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 7a in North Carolina

583 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in North Carolina, and rated by the USDA to survive 0 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 7a. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Highlands, NC.

Soil in Highlands, NC

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 28741 is Cullasaja — cobbly sandy clay loam, well drained.

TextureCobbly sandy clay loamholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH5.5moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter10%high

Hydrologic groupAwater soaks in fast

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Cullasaja-Tuckasegee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 28741; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Highlands, NC

Summer high78 °Faverage high, July

Winter low24 °Faverage low, January

Hot days0days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights115nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,374base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 31 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 48 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation88.3 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall10 inper year; 7 days with snow on the ground

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Highlands, NC (within 1 mile); precipitation: Highlands, NC (within 1 mile). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

5 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

287177a

Cashiers, NC · 7 mi

287757a

Scaly Mountain, NC · 7 mi

305377b

Dillard, GA · 9 mi

287367a

Glenville, NC · 10 mi

Rabun Gap, GA · 14 mi

North Carolina planting zones →

Questions about 28741

What planting zone is ZIP code 28741?

ZIP code 28741 (Highlands, NC) is in USDA hardiness zone 7a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 0 to 5 °F (−17.8 to −15 °C).

When is the last frost in Highlands, NC?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 28741 is April 30; after May 17 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Highlands station.

When is the first frost in Highlands, NC?

The median first fall frost near 28741 is October 15, giving a median frost-free growing season of 167 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 28741?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 5 – Mar 19 and set transplants outside around May 7 – May 21, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 28741 get?

About 88.3 inches of precipitation a year and 10 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Highlands station).

How hot do summers get in Highlands, NC?

The average high peaks at 78 °F in July, with about 0 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 28741 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Cullasaja at the center of ZIP 28741: cobbly sandy clay loam, well drained, pH about 5.5 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Highlands, NC in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 28741 came on Mar 2 in 2026, 14 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 16), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Highlands, NC?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 28741 is 14 h 31 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 28741 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 28741 in zone 6b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 7a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.