Last spring frost
Mar 19
Frost Dates for Hot Springs, AR
First fall frost
Nov 13
Growing season
239 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Hot Springs, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 19 and the first fall frost is about Nov 13, giving roughly a 239-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 1 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 19 | Apr 2 | Mar 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 19 | Mar 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 6 | Feb 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 11 | Feb 21 | Jan 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 19 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 14 |
| 32°F | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 |
| 28°F | Mar 26 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 |
| 24°F | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 26 |
| 20°F | Mar 3 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 18 | Jan 6 |
| 16°F | Feb 19 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 20 | Jan 14 | Jan 7 | 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 19 | Nov 3 | Nov 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 13 | Dec 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 27 | Dec 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 17 | Dec 12 | Jan 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 |
| 32°F | Oct 28 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 3 |
| 28°F | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 18 |
| 24°F | Nov 17 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 7 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 12 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 16 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Dec 14 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 12 | Jan 17 | Jan 25 | Feb 4 |
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: Hot Springs 1 Nne, Ar, about 4.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 626 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 Hot Springs, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Hot Springs, AR is about Mar 19. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Hot Springs, AR typically arrives about Nov 13. 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 19 on average, or Mar 1 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 239 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 71901 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026