Last spring frost
Mar 22
Frost Dates for Germantown, TN
First fall frost
Nov 7
Growing season
230 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Germantown, TN, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 22 and the first fall frost is about Nov 7, giving roughly a 230-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 5 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 20 | Apr 4 | Mar 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 22 | Mar 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 8 | Feb 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 27 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 |
| 28°F | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 11 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 17 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 8 | Dec 30 |
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 15 | Oct 28 | Nov 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 7 | Nov 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 18 | Dec 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 1 | Dec 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 32°F | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 |
| 28°F | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 |
| 24°F | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 |
| 20°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jan 18 |
| 16°F | Dec 8 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | Feb 1 |
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: Germantown 4Se, Tn, about 0.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 320 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 Germantown, TN?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Germantown, TN is about Mar 22. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 5.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Germantown, TN typically arrives about Nov 7. 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 22 on average, or Mar 5 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 230 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 38139 Planting calendar → Tennessee frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026