Last spring frost
Apr 4
Frost Dates for Hector, AR
First fall frost
Nov 2
Growing season
212 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Hector, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 4 and the first fall frost is about Nov 2, giving roughly a 212-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 18 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 1 | Apr 16 | Mar 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 20 | Apr 4 | Mar 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 8 | Mar 23 | Mar 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 29 | Mar 10 | Feb 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Mar 31 |
| 32°F | Apr 20 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 18 |
| 28°F | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 |
| 24°F | Mar 29 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 |
| 20°F | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 |
| 16°F | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 12 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 24 |
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 9 | Oct 22 | Nov 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 2 | Nov 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 16 | Dec 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 29 | Dec 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 9 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 |
| 32°F | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 |
| 28°F | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 |
| 24°F | Nov 8 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 |
| 20°F | Nov 20 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 4 |
| 16°F | Dec 2 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 22 |
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: Dennard 10 Wsw, Ar, about 17.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,740 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 Hector, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Hector, AR is about Apr 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 18.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Hector, AR typically arrives about Nov 2. 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 4 on average, or Mar 18 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 212 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 72686 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026