Last spring frost
Apr 14
Frost Dates for Cookeville, TN
First fall frost
Oct 25
Growing season
195 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Cookeville, TN, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 14 and the first fall frost is about Oct 25, giving roughly a 195-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 29 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 11 | Apr 25 | Apr 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 30 | Apr 14 | Mar 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 16 | Apr 1 | Mar 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 17 | Feb 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 11 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 |
| 32°F | Apr 30 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 |
| 28°F | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 |
| 24°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 23 |
| 20°F | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 5 |
| 16°F | Mar 12 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 |
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 6 | Oct 17 | Oct 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 25 | Nov 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 3 | Nov 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 17 | Dec 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 |
| 32°F | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 |
| 20°F | Nov 11 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 |
| 16°F | Nov 23 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 14 |
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: Cookeville, Tn, about 3.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,090 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 Cookeville, TN?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Cookeville, TN is about Apr 14. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Cookeville, TN typically arrives about Oct 25. 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 14 on average, or Mar 29 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 195 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 38503 Planting calendar → Tennessee frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026