Last spring frost
Apr 12
Frost Dates for Oakland, KY
First fall frost
Oct 29
Growing season
198 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Oakland, KY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 12 and the first fall frost is about Oct 29, giving roughly a 198-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 27 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 11 | Apr 24 | Apr 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 30 | Apr 12 | Mar 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 17 | Mar 31 | Mar 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 20 | Feb 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 11 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 |
| 32°F | Apr 30 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 |
| 28°F | Apr 17 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 |
| 24°F | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 |
| 20°F | Mar 28 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 11 |
| 16°F | Mar 17 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 29 |
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 6 | Oct 20 | Nov 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 16 | Oct 29 | Nov 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 26 | Nov 6 | Nov 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 17 | Dec 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 |
| 32°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 |
| 28°F | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 25 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 |
| 20°F | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 21 |
| 16°F | Nov 19 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 8 |
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: Barren Rvr Lake, Ky, about 9.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 615 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 Oakland, KY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Oakland, KY is about Apr 12. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 27.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Oakland, KY typically arrives about Oct 29. 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 12 on average, or Mar 27 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 198 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 42159 Planting calendar → Kentucky frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026