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Soil Temperature in North Carolina

The current average 2-inch soil temperature across North Carolina is 72°F, based on 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 70°F to 73°F. Last updated May 18, 2026.

Current Planting Conditions

Warm-season grasses are actively growing across North Carolina with soil averaging 72°F at 2 inches. Bermuda, zoysia, and St. Augustine can be seeded or sodded now. Cool-season overseeding is closing for the season.

Monitoring Stations in North Carolina (4)

Station2" TempLast Reading
Tidewater #1 (Washington)70°F2026-05-18
Durham 11 W73°F2026-05-18
Asheville 8 SSW72°F2026-05-18
Asheville 13 S72°F2026-05-18

Cities in North Carolina (65)

Cities in North Carolina with current soil temperature readings
CityZIPCurrent TempDistance from state center
Albemarle28001—48 mi
Apex27502—33 mi
Asheboro27203—26 mi
Asheville28801—178 mi
Boone28607—135 mi
Burlington27215—33 mi
Camp Lejeune28542—125 mi
Cary27511—37 mi
Chapel Hill27514—32 mi
Charlotte28201—82 mi
Clayton27520—53 mi
Clinton28328—71 mi
Concord28025—66 mi
Creedmoor27522—55 mi
Davidson28035—82 mi
Dunn28334—47 mi
Durham27701—41 mi
Eden27288—68 mi
Elizabeth City27906—185 mi
Fayetteville28301—44 mi
Fort Bragg28307—36 mi
Franklin28734—227 mi
Gastonia28052—105 mi
Goldsboro27530—74 mi
Greensboro27395—42 mi
Greenville27833—112 mi
Henderson27536—77 mi
Hendersonville28739—176 mi
Hickory28601—110 mi
High Point27260—43 mi
Huntersville28070—82 mi
Jacksonville28540—123 mi
Kannapolis28081—70 mi
Kernersville27284—55 mi
Kinston28501—103 mi
Laurinburg28352—55 mi
Lenoir28633—123 mi
Lexington27292—52 mi
Lincolnton28092—101 mi
Lumberton28358—68 mi
Matthews28104—81 mi
Monroe28110—75 mi
Mooresville28115—81 mi
Morganton28655—131 mi
New Bern28560—139 mi
North Wilkesboro28656—104 mi
Pinehurst28370—24 mi
Raleigh27601—45 mi
Reidsville27320—57 mi
Rockingham28379—48 mi
Rocky Mount27801—95 mi
Roxboro27573—63 mi
Rural Hall27045—69 mi
Salisbury28144—62 mi
Sanford27330—14 mi
Shallotte28459—125 mi
Shelby28150—123 mi
Southern Pines28387—27 mi
Statesville28625—87 mi
Thomasville27360—45 mi
Wake Forest27587—56 mi
Waynesville28785—201 mi
Wilmington28401—123 mi
Wilson27893—83 mi
Winston Salem27101—60 mi

Soil Temperature FAQ for North Carolina

What is the current soil temperature in North Carolina?

The current average 2-inch soil temperature across North Carolina is 72°F, based on 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 70°F to 73°F depending on location and elevation.

When should I apply pre-emergent in North Carolina?

Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across North Carolina, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.

When can I plant grass seed in North Carolina?

Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.