Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Henderson, AR
First fall frost
Nov 1
Growing season
214 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Henderson, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 1, giving roughly a 214-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 14 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 30 | Apr 12 | Mar 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 18 | Mar 31 | Mar 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 20 | Mar 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 10 | Feb 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 27 |
| 32°F | Apr 18 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 14 |
| 28°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 |
| 24°F | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 |
| 20°F | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 |
| 16°F | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 |
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 11 | Oct 23 | Nov 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 12 | Dec 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 23 | Dec 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 |
| 32°F | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 17 |
| 28°F | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 |
| 24°F | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 14 |
| 20°F | Nov 14 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 |
| 16°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 9 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | Jan 14 |
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: Mtn Home 1 Nnw, Ar, about 12 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 800 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 Henderson, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Henderson, AR is about Mar 31. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Henderson, AR typically arrives about Nov 1. 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 31 on average, or Mar 14 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 214 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 72544 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026