Last spring frost
Apr 13
Frost Dates for Ponca, AR
First fall frost
Oct 29
Growing season
199 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Ponca, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 13 and the first fall frost is about Oct 29, giving roughly a 199-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 30 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) | May 7 | Apr 24 | Apr 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 28 | Apr 13 | Mar 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 20 | Apr 2 | Mar 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 21 | Mar 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 |
| 32°F | Apr 28 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 |
| 28°F | Apr 20 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 15 |
| 24°F | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 |
| 20°F | Mar 30 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 19 |
| 16°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Jan 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 6 | Oct 20 | Nov 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 16 | Oct 29 | Nov 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 8 | Nov 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 19 | Dec 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 |
| 32°F | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 14 |
| 28°F | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 |
| 20°F | Nov 8 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 |
| 16°F | Nov 17 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 3 |
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: Kingston 2S, Ar, about 10.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,145 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 Ponca, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ponca, AR is about Apr 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 30.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ponca, AR typically arrives about Oct 29. 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 Apr 13 on average, or Mar 30 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 199 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 72624 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026