Last spring frost
Mar 13
Frost Dates for Alcorn State University, MS
First fall frost
Nov 10
Growing season
242 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Alcorn State University, MS, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 13 and the first fall frost is about Nov 10, giving roughly a 242-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 20 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 16 | Mar 29 | Mar 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 13 | Feb 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 19 | Feb 27 | Jan 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 6 | Feb 7 | Jan 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 16 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 |
| 32°F | Apr 4 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 |
| 28°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 8 | Jan 30 |
| 24°F | Mar 6 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 5 |
| 20°F | Feb 22 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 1 | Dec 22 |
| 16°F | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 11 | Jan 7 | Jan 1 | Dec 17 |
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 18 | Nov 1 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 10 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 22 | Dec 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 12 | Dec 10 | Jan 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 3 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 19 |
| 24°F | Nov 12 | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 27 | Jan 3 | Jan 14 |
| 20°F | Nov 28 | Dec 7 | Dec 16 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 11 | Jan 19 | Feb 1 |
| 16°F | Dec 11 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 18 | Jan 23 | Feb 1 |
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: St Joseph 3 N, La, about 11.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 78 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 Alcorn State University, MS?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Alcorn State University, MS is about Mar 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Alcorn State University, MS typically arrives about Nov 10. 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 13 on average, or Feb 20 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 242 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 39096 Planting calendar → Mississippi frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026