Last spring frost
Mar 12
Frost Dates for Watson, AR
First fall frost
Nov 14
Growing season
247 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Watson, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 12 and the first fall frost is about Nov 14, giving roughly a 247-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 21 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) | Apr 9 | Mar 26 | Mar 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 12 | Feb 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 18 | Feb 28 | Feb 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 9 | Feb 11 | Jan 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 |
| 32°F | Mar 31 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 |
| 28°F | Mar 18 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 |
| 24°F | Mar 9 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 13 |
| 20°F | Feb 27 | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 |
| 16°F | Feb 13 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 20 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Jan 3 | Dec 27 |
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 18 | Nov 1 | Nov 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 14 | Dec 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 28 | Dec 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 15 | Jan 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 18 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 19 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 22 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 12 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 16 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Dec 16 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 5 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 19 | Jan 27 | Feb 5 |
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: Rohwer 2 Nne, Ar, about 5.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 150 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 Watson, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Watson, AR is about Mar 12. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 21.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Watson, AR typically arrives about Nov 14. 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 Mar 12 on average, or Feb 21 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 247 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 71674 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026