Last spring frost
Apr 5
Frost Dates for Benton, MO
First fall frost
Oct 25
Growing season
201 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Benton, MO, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 5 and the first fall frost is about Oct 25, giving roughly a 201-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 1 | Apr 17 | Apr 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 21 | Apr 5 | Mar 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 26 | Mar 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 14 | Feb 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 1 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 2 |
| 32°F | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 19 |
| 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 |
| 24°F | Apr 2 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 |
| 20°F | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 6 |
| 16°F | Mar 13 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 21 |
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 2 | Oct 16 | Oct 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 25 | Nov 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 4 | Nov 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 16 | Dec 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 2 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 |
| 32°F | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 |
| 20°F | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 |
| 16°F | Nov 23 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 11 |
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: Cape Girardeau Muni Ap, Mo, about 10.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 336 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 Benton, MO?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Benton, MO is about Apr 5. 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 Benton, MO typically arrives about Oct 25. 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 5 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 201 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 63736 Planting calendar → Missouri frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026