Last spring frost
Apr 6
Frost Dates for Athens, TN
First fall frost
Oct 31
Growing season
208 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Athens, TN, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 6 and the first fall frost is about Oct 31, giving roughly a 208-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 20 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) | May 5 | Apr 20 | Apr 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 24 | Apr 6 | Mar 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 27 | Mar 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 1 | Mar 12 | Feb 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 |
| 32°F | Apr 24 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 20 |
| 28°F | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 |
| 24°F | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 18 |
| 20°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 20 | Jan 10 |
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 10 | Oct 23 | Nov 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 20 | Oct 31 | Nov 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 10 | Nov 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 24 | Dec 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 |
| 32°F | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 |
| 28°F | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 |
| 24°F | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 18 |
| 20°F | Nov 16 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 5 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 15 | 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: Athens, Tn, about 3.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 940 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 Athens, TN?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Athens, TN is about Apr 6. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Athens, TN typically arrives about Oct 31. 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 Apr 6 on average, or Mar 20 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 208 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 37303 Planting calendar → Tennessee frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026