Last spring frost
Mar 16
Frost Dates for Memphis, TN
First fall frost
Nov 16
Growing season
244 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Memphis, TN, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 16 and the first fall frost is about Nov 16, giving roughly a 244-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 27 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 16 | Mar 29 | Mar 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 16 | Feb 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 4 | Feb 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 22 | Jan 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 16 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 32°F | Apr 4 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 |
| 28°F | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 |
| 24°F | Mar 15 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 28 |
| 20°F | Mar 3 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 18 | Jan 9 |
| 16°F | Feb 22 | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 18 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Dec 31 |
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 24 | Nov 5 | Nov 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 16 | Dec 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 28 | Dec 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 13 | Jan 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 |
| 32°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 3 |
| 28°F | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 |
| 24°F | Nov 19 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 8 |
| 20°F | Dec 4 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 16 | Jan 28 |
| 16°F | Dec 14 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Jan 19 | Jan 26 | Feb 4 |
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: Memphis Intl Ap, Tn, about 1.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 254 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 Memphis, TN?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Memphis, TN is about Mar 16. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 27.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Memphis, TN typically arrives about Nov 16. 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 16 on average, or Feb 27 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 244 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 38132 Planting calendar → Tennessee frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026