Last spring frost
Mar 25
Frost Dates for Decatur, MS
First fall frost
Nov 2
Growing season
222 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Decatur, MS, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 25 and the first fall frost is about Nov 2, giving roughly a 222-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 4 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 24 | Apr 8 | Mar 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 25 | Mar 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 10 | Feb 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 19 | Feb 26 | Jan 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 24 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 28 | Mar 20 |
| 32°F | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 4 |
| 28°F | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 17 |
| 24°F | Mar 19 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 4 | Jan 27 |
| 20°F | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 19 | Jan 9 |
| 16°F | Feb 24 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 25 | Jan 19 | Jan 13 | Jan 6 | Dec 27 |
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 11 | Oct 25 | Nov 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 2 | Nov 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 15 | Dec 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 9 | Dec 1 | Jan 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 |
| 32°F | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 20 |
| 28°F | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 6 |
| 24°F | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Jan 3 |
| 20°F | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 20 |
| 16°F | Dec 9 | Dec 20 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Jan 27 | Feb 6 |
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: Newton Exp Stn, Ms, about 7.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 349 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 Decatur, MS?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Decatur, MS is about Mar 25. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Decatur, MS typically arrives about Nov 2. 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 25 on average, or Mar 4 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 222 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 39327 Planting calendar → Mississippi frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026