Last spring frost
Mar 23
Frost Dates for Bay, AR
First fall frost
Nov 9
Growing season
230 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Bay, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 23 and the first fall frost is about Nov 9, giving roughly a 230-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 7 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 21 | Apr 4 | Mar 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 23 | Mar 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 10 | Feb 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 28 | Feb 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 21 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 |
| 28°F | Mar 30 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 |
| 20°F | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 17 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Jan 2 |
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 17 | Oct 30 | Nov 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 9 | Nov 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 20 | Dec 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 3 | Dec 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 |
| 32°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 |
| 28°F | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 |
| 24°F | Nov 14 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 31 |
| 20°F | Nov 30 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 8 | Jan 19 |
| 16°F | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | 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: Jonesboro Muni Ap, Ar, about 6.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 262 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 Bay, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Bay, AR is about Mar 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Bay, AR typically arrives about Nov 9. 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 23 on average, or Mar 7 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 230 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 72411 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026