Last spring frost
Apr 9
Frost Dates for Purcell, MO
First fall frost
Oct 27
Growing season
200 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Purcell, MO, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 9 and the first fall frost is about Oct 27, giving roughly a 200-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 24 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 6 | Apr 21 | Apr 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 26 | Apr 9 | Mar 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 16 | Mar 29 | Mar 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 17 | Feb 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 4 |
| 32°F | Apr 26 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 |
| 28°F | Apr 16 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 24°F | Apr 4 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 |
| 20°F | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 |
| 16°F | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 1 |
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 18 | Oct 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 27 | Nov 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 4 | Nov 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 15 | Dec 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 3 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 |
| 32°F | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 28°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 |
| 24°F | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 |
| 20°F | Nov 7 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 17 |
| 16°F | Nov 17 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 |
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: Joplin Regional Airport, Mo, about 7.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 980 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 Purcell, MO?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Purcell, MO is about Apr 9. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 24.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Purcell, MO typically arrives about Oct 27. 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 24 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 200 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 64857 Planting calendar → Missouri frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026