Last spring frost
Apr 21
Frost Dates for Arcadia, MO
First fall frost
Oct 16
Growing season
174 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Arcadia, MO, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 21 and the first fall frost is about Oct 16, giving roughly a 174-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 18 | May 3 | Apr 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 8 | Apr 21 | Apr 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 27 | Apr 10 | Mar 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 29 | Mar 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 18 | May 13 | May 9 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 |
| 32°F | May 8 | May 3 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 |
| 28°F | Apr 27 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 |
| 24°F | Apr 14 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 |
| 20°F | Apr 3 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 16°F | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 13 |
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) | Sep 24 | Oct 6 | Oct 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 16 | Oct 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 11 | Oct 26 | Nov 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 4 | Nov 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 24 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 |
| 32°F | Oct 1 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 |
| 28°F | Oct 11 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 |
| 24°F | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 23 |
| 20°F | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 16°F | Nov 10 | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 |
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: Fredericktown, Mo, about 15.7 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 Arcadia, MO?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Arcadia, MO is about Apr 21. 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 Arcadia, MO typically arrives about Oct 16. 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 21 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 174 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 63621 Planting calendar → Missouri frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026