Last spring frost
Mar 17
Frost Dates for Brookhaven, MS
First fall frost
Nov 12
Growing season
242 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Brookhaven, MS, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 17 and the first fall frost is about Nov 12, giving roughly a 242-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 22 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 20 | Apr 1 | Mar 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 17 | Feb 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 1 | Jan 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 11 | Feb 11 | Jan 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 11 |
| 32°F | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 22 |
| 28°F | Mar 23 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Jan 31 |
| 24°F | Mar 11 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 12 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 16 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 13 | Jan 5 | Dec 26 |
| 16°F | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 24 | Jan 18 | Jan 12 | Jan 7 | Jan 2 | 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 19 | Nov 3 | Nov 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 12 | Dec 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 28 | Dec 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 20 | Dec 20 | Jan 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 |
| 32°F | Oct 26 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 31 |
| 24°F | Nov 20 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 9 | Jan 22 |
| 20°F | Dec 3 | Dec 12 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Feb 3 |
| 16°F | Dec 21 | Dec 30 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 18 | Jan 27 | 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: Brookhaven City, Ms, about 2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 435 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 Brookhaven, MS?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Brookhaven, MS is about Mar 17. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 22.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Brookhaven, MS typically arrives about Nov 12. 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 17 on average, or Feb 22 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 39601 Planting calendar → Mississippi frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026