Last spring frost
Apr 3
Frost Dates for Louisville, KY
First fall frost
Nov 3
Growing season
214 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Louisville, KY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 3 and the first fall frost is about Nov 3, giving roughly a 214-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 18 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 3 | Apr 16 | Apr 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 | Apr 3 | Mar 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 22 | Mar 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 9 | Feb 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 3 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 |
| 32°F | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 |
| 28°F | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 |
| 24°F | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 |
| 20°F | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 |
| 16°F | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 9 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 |
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 12 | Oct 23 | Nov 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 3 | Nov 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 13 | Dec 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 24 | Dec 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 |
| 32°F | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 24°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 15 |
| 20°F | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 23 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 15 |
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: Louisville Bowman Fld, Ky, about 1.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 540 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 Louisville, KY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Louisville, KY is about Apr 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 18.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Louisville, KY typically arrives about Nov 3. 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 3 on average, or Mar 18 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 214 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 40205 Planting calendar → Kentucky frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026