Last spring frost
Mar 26
Frost Dates for Memphis, TN
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
227 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Memphis, TN, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 26 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 227-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 24 | Apr 6 | Mar 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 26 | Mar 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 14 | Feb 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 20 | Mar 1 | Feb 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 24 | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 20 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 5 |
| 28°F | Apr 2 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 |
| 24°F | Mar 20 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 |
| 20°F | Mar 10 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 13 |
| 16°F | Mar 1 | Feb 17 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 10 | Jan 1 |
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 16 | Oct 30 | Nov 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 6 | Nov 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 17 | Dec 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 1 | Dec 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 |
| 32°F | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 27 |
| 20°F | Nov 20 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 17 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 19 | 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: Olive Branch, Ms, about 4.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 385 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 26. 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 Memphis, TN typically arrives about Nov 6. 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 26 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 227 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 38141 Planting calendar → Tennessee frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026