Harman US

Frost Dates for McNab, AR

Last spring frost
Mar 26
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
226 days
Hardiness zone
8b

In an average year around McNab, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 26 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 226-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.

Last spring frost - McNab, AR
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 24 Apr 7 Mar 21
Freeze (32°F) Apr 13 Mar 26 Mar 5
Hard (28°F) Mar 31 Mar 11 Feb 20
Severe (24°F) Mar 14 Feb 24 Jan 28
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 24 Apr 19 Apr 14 Apr 10 Apr 7 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 28 Mar 21
32°F Apr 13 Apr 7 Apr 3 Mar 31 Mar 26 Mar 23 Mar 18 Mar 13 Mar 5
28°F Mar 31 Mar 25 Mar 20 Mar 15 Mar 11 Mar 7 Mar 3 Feb 27 Feb 20
24°F Mar 14 Mar 8 Mar 4 Feb 28 Feb 24 Feb 19 Feb 15 Feb 6 Jan 28
20°F Mar 4 Feb 26 Feb 18 Feb 12 Feb 6 Feb 1 Jan 27 Jan 19 Jan 8
16°F Feb 21 Feb 11 Feb 4 Jan 30 Jan 24 Jan 18 Jan 13 Jan 5 Dec 28

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.

First fall frost - McNab, AR
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Oct 16 Oct 29 Nov 12
Freeze (32°F) Oct 23 Nov 6 Nov 26
Hard (28°F) Nov 1 Nov 17 Dec 6
Severe (24°F) Nov 10 Dec 1 Dec 29
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Oct 16 Oct 20 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 2 Nov 6 Nov 12
32°F Oct 23 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 18 Nov 26
28°F Nov 1 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 22 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 6
24°F Nov 10 Nov 16 Nov 21 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 11 Dec 20 Dec 29
20°F Nov 21 Nov 29 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 20 Dec 27 Jan 1 Jan 6 Jan 15
16°F Dec 6 Dec 16 Dec 25 Jan 1 Jan 4 Jan 9 Jan 14 Jan 19 Feb 2

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

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Hope 3 Ne, Ar, about 14.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 375 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
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 McNab, AR?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around McNab, AR is about Mar 26. 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 McNab, AR typically arrives about Nov 6. 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 26 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 226 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 71838 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026