Last spring frost
Mar 16
Frost Dates for North Little Rock, AR
First fall frost
Nov 16
Growing season
245 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around North Little Rock, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 16 and the first fall frost is about Nov 16, giving roughly a 245-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 27 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 16 | Mar 28 | Mar 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 16 | Feb 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 21 | Mar 4 | Feb 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 12 | Feb 23 | Jan 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 16 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 10 |
| 32°F | Apr 2 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 |
| 28°F | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 |
| 24°F | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Jan 30 |
| 20°F | Mar 4 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 12 |
| 16°F | Feb 23 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 |
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 23 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 16 | Dec 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 27 | Dec 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 21 | Dec 12 | Jan 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 |
| 28°F | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 17 |
| 24°F | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 6 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 14 | Jan 25 |
| 16°F | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 15 | Jan 24 | 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: Little Rock, Ar, about 2.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 568 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 North Little Rock, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around North Little Rock, AR is about Mar 16. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 27.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around North Little Rock, AR typically arrives about Nov 16. 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 16 on average, or Feb 27 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 245 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 72116 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026