Last spring frost
Mar 18
Frost Dates for Ethel, MS
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
239 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Ethel, MS, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 18 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 239-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 28 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 19 | Apr 1 | Mar 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 18 | Feb 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 5 | Feb 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 14 | Feb 23 | Jan 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 19 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
| 32°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 28°F | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 13 |
| 24°F | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 27 |
| 20°F | Mar 4 | Feb 25 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 17 | Jan 6 |
| 16°F | Feb 18 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 19 | Jan 14 | Jan 9 | 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 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 11 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 24 | Dec 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 11 | Jan 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 18 |
| 24°F | Nov 15 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 9 |
| 20°F | Dec 5 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 20 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 18 | Jan 24 | Feb 3 |
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: Kosciusko, Ms, about 8.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 410 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 Ethel, MS?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ethel, MS is about Mar 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ethel, 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 18 on average, or Feb 28 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 239 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 39067 Planting calendar → Mississippi frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026