Last spring frost
Apr 9
Frost Dates for Henderson, KY
First fall frost
Oct 26
Growing season
198 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Henderson, KY, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 9 and the first fall frost is about Oct 26, giving roughly a 198-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 26 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 20 | Apr 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 24 | Apr 9 | Mar 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 15 | Mar 31 | Mar 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 17 | Feb 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 |
| 32°F | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 |
| 28°F | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 11 |
| 24°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 |
| 20°F | Mar 27 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 |
| 16°F | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 |
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 16 | Oct 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 26 | Nov 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 4 | Nov 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 4 |
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 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 |
| 32°F | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 20 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 |
| 20°F | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 22 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 7 |
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: Henderson State Police, Ky, about 3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 420 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 Henderson, KY?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Henderson, KY is about Apr 9. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Henderson, KY typically arrives about Oct 26. 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 9 on average, or Mar 26 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 42420 Planting calendar → Kentucky frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026