Last spring frost
Mar 15
Frost Dates for Ruleville, MS
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
241 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Ruleville, MS, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 15 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 241-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 24 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 14 | Mar 30 | Mar 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 15 | Feb 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 22 | Mar 2 | Feb 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 11 | Feb 14 | Jan 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 14 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 9 |
| 32°F | Apr 3 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 |
| 28°F | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 5 |
| 24°F | Mar 11 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 26 | Jan 15 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 17 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 |
| 16°F | Feb 11 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 13 | Jan 8 | Jan 3 | Dec 26 |
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 17 | Nov 1 | Nov 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 11 | Dec 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 25 | Dec 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 11 | Jan 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 18 |
| 32°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 2 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 22 |
| 24°F | Nov 14 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | Jan 11 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 14 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 28 |
| 16°F | Dec 16 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 17 | Jan 22 | Jan 31 |
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: Cleveland 3 N, Ms, about 11.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 140 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 Ruleville, MS?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ruleville, MS is about Mar 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 24.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ruleville, MS typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 15 on average, or Feb 24 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 241 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 38771 Planting calendar → Mississippi frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026