Last spring frost
Apr 3
Frost Dates for Rives, TN
First fall frost
Oct 29
Growing season
208 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Rives, TN, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 3 and the first fall frost is about Oct 29, giving roughly a 208-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 18 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 15 | Mar 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 | Apr 3 | Mar 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 8 | Mar 22 | Mar 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 8 | Feb 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 |
| 32°F | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 |
| 28°F | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 4 |
| 24°F | Mar 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 18 |
| 20°F | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 |
| 16°F | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Feb 1 | Jan 24 | Jan 14 |
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 7 | Oct 19 | Oct 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 17 | Oct 29 | Nov 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 7 | Nov 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 20 | Dec 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 7 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 |
| 32°F | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 28°F | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 26 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 |
| 20°F | Nov 13 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 |
| 16°F | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 18 |
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: Union City, Tn, about 6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 350 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 Rives, TN?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Rives, TN is about Apr 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 18.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Rives, TN typically arrives about Oct 29. 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 3 on average, or Mar 18 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 38253 Planting calendar → Tennessee frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026