Last spring frost
Apr 19
Frost Dates for Barbourville, KY
First fall frost
Oct 24
Growing season
187 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Barbourville, KY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 19 and the first fall frost is about Oct 24, giving roughly a 187-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 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) | May 15 | Apr 30 | Apr 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 6 | Apr 19 | Apr 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 6 | Mar 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 26 | Mar 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 15 | May 10 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 |
| 32°F | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 |
| 28°F | Apr 23 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 |
| 24°F | Apr 9 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 |
| 20°F | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 17 |
| 16°F | Mar 20 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Jan 30 |
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 3 | Oct 15 | Oct 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 11 | Oct 24 | Nov 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 11 | Nov 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 |
| 32°F | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 |
| 28°F | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 15 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 |
| 20°F | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 14 |
| 16°F | Nov 17 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 3 |
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: Barbourville, Ky, about 5.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 990 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 Barbourville, KY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Barbourville, KY is about Apr 19. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Barbourville, KY typically arrives about Oct 24. 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 19 on average, or Apr 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 187 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 40953 Planting calendar → Kentucky frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026