Last spring frost
Apr 13
Frost Dates for Loretto, KY
First fall frost
Oct 25
Growing season
195 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Loretto, KY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 13 and the first fall frost is about Oct 25, giving roughly a 195-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 29 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) | May 12 | Apr 26 | Apr 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 3 | Apr 13 | Mar 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 18 | Mar 31 | Mar 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 21 | Mar 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 12 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 |
| 32°F | May 3 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 |
| 28°F | Apr 18 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
| 24°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 1 |
| 20°F | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 14 |
| 16°F | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 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 2 | Oct 16 | Oct 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 13 | Oct 25 | Nov 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 5 | Nov 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 15 | Dec 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 2 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 |
| 32°F | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 |
| 20°F | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 |
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: Bardstown 5E, Ky, about 10.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 780 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 Loretto, KY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Loretto, KY is about Apr 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Loretto, KY typically arrives about Oct 25. 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 Apr 13 on average, or Mar 29 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 195 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 40049 Planting calendar → Kentucky frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026