Last spring frost
Apr 23
Frost Dates for McDowell, KY
First fall frost
Oct 23
Growing season
183 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around McDowell, KY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 23 and the first fall frost is about Oct 23, giving roughly a 183-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 8 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 19 | May 4 | Apr 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 10 | Apr 23 | Apr 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 27 | Apr 9 | Mar 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 30 | Mar 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 19 | May 13 | May 9 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 |
| 32°F | May 10 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 |
| 28°F | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 |
| 24°F | Apr 14 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 9 |
| 20°F | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 |
| 16°F | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 4 |
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 1 | Oct 13 | Oct 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 8 | Oct 23 | Nov 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 9 | Nov 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 |
| 32°F | Oct 8 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 |
| 28°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 |
| 24°F | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 |
| 20°F | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 11 |
| 16°F | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 2 |
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: Prestonsburg 3Wsw, Ky, about 16.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 760 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 McDowell, KY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around McDowell, KY is about Apr 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around McDowell, KY typically arrives about Oct 23. 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 23 on average, or Apr 8 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 183 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 41647 Planting calendar → Kentucky frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026