Last spring frost
Apr 4
Frost Dates for Brownsville, KY
First fall frost
Oct 31
Growing season
209 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Brownsville, KY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 4 and the first fall frost is about Oct 31, giving roughly a 209-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 19 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 7 | Apr 18 | Apr 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 24 | Apr 4 | Mar 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 24 | Mar 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 12 | Feb 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 28 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 |
| 32°F | Apr 24 | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 |
| 28°F | Apr 9 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 3 |
| 24°F | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 |
| 20°F | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 |
| 16°F | Mar 10 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 22 |
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 9 | Oct 22 | Nov 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 18 | Oct 31 | Nov 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 11 | Dec 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 25 | Dec 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 |
| 32°F | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 15 |
| 28°F | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
| 24°F | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 |
| 20°F | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 |
| 16°F | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 5 | Jan 13 |
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: Bowling Green 21 Nne, Ky, about 4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 790 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 Brownsville, KY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Brownsville, KY is about Apr 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 19.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Brownsville, KY typically arrives about Oct 31. 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 4 on average, or Mar 19 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 209 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 42259 Planting calendar → Kentucky frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026