Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), TN
First fall frost
Nov 3
Growing season
217 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), TN, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 3, giving roughly a 217-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 13 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 28 | Apr 11 | Mar 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 16 | Mar 31 | Mar 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 17 | Feb 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 4 | Feb 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 28 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 |
| 32°F | Apr 16 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 23 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 |
| 20°F | Mar 13 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 27 |
| 16°F | Mar 2 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 20 | Jan 12 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 13 | Oct 25 | Nov 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 3 | Nov 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 15 | Dec 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 28 | Dec 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 32°F | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 |
| 28°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 |
| 20°F | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 7 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 25 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Nashville Intl Ap, Tn, about 4.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 600 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), TN?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), TN is about Mar 31. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 13.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), TN typically arrives about Nov 3. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Mar 31 on average, or Mar 13 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 217 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 37211 Planting calendar → Tennessee frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026