Last spring frost
Mar 11
Frost Dates for Des Arc, AR
First fall frost
Nov 14
Growing season
247 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Des Arc, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 11 and the first fall frost is about Nov 14, giving roughly a 247-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 23 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 15 | Mar 27 | Mar 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 1 | Mar 11 | Feb 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 19 | Mar 2 | Feb 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 10 | Feb 18 | Jan 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 15 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 |
| 32°F | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 |
| 28°F | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 |
| 24°F | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 |
| 20°F | Mar 1 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 14 | Jan 4 |
| 16°F | Feb 22 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 25 | Jan 20 | Jan 14 | Jan 6 | Dec 29 |
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 20 | Nov 3 | Nov 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 14 | Dec 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 26 | Dec 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 17 | Dec 11 | Jan 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 20 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 |
| 28°F | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 19 |
| 24°F | Nov 17 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 7 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 11 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 27 |
| 16°F | Dec 14 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 17 | Jan 26 | 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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Des Arc, Ar, about 2.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 200 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 Des Arc, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Des Arc, AR is about Mar 11. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Des Arc, 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 11 on average, or Feb 23 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 72040 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026