Last spring frost
Mar 29
Frost Dates for Sparkman, AR
First fall frost
Nov 4
Growing season
223 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Sparkman, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 29 and the first fall frost is about Nov 4, giving roughly a 223-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 5 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 29 | Apr 9 | Mar 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 18 | Mar 29 | Mar 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 10 | Feb 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 25 | Jan 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 29 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 22 |
| 32°F | Apr 18 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 13 | Mar 5 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 18 |
| 24°F | Mar 15 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Jan 29 |
| 20°F | Mar 4 | Feb 26 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 17 | Jan 6 |
| 16°F | Feb 23 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 18 | Jan 11 | Jan 5 | Dec 30 |
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 12 | Oct 26 | Nov 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 4 | Nov 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 17 | Dec 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 1 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 |
| 32°F | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 24 |
| 28°F | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 | Dec 9 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 17 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 19 |
| 16°F | Dec 8 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 15 | Jan 21 | Feb 1 |
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: Sparkman, Ar, about 1.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 170 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 Sparkman, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Sparkman, AR is about Mar 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 5.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Sparkman, AR typically arrives about Nov 4. 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 29 on average, or Mar 5 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 223 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 71763 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026