Last spring frost
Mar 28
Frost Dates for Vardaman, MS
First fall frost
Nov 5
Growing season
223 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Vardaman, MS, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 28 and the first fall frost is about Nov 5, giving roughly a 223-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 6 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 22 | Apr 8 | Mar 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 28 | Mar 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 12 | Feb 21 |
| 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 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 6 |
| 28°F | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 14 |
| 16°F | Feb 26 | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 22 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Jan 2 |
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 14 | Oct 27 | Nov 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 5 | Nov 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 17 | Dec 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 11 | Dec 1 | Dec 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 |
| 32°F | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 22 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 |
| 24°F | Nov 11 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 28 |
| 20°F | Nov 21 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 15 |
| 16°F | Dec 9 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Jan 30 |
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: Calhoun City, Ms, about 7.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 268 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 Vardaman, MS?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Vardaman, MS is about Mar 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Vardaman, MS typically arrives about Nov 5. 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 28 on average, or Mar 6 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 223 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 38878 Planting calendar → Mississippi frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026