Last spring frost
Mar 29
Frost Dates for Russellville, AR
First fall frost
Nov 2
Growing season
219 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Russellville, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 29 and the first fall frost is about Nov 2, giving roughly a 219-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 10 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 24 | Apr 10 | Mar 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 13 | Mar 29 | Mar 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 13 | Feb 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 18 | Feb 28 | Feb 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 |
| 32°F | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 |
| 24°F | Mar 18 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 7 |
| 20°F | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 14 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 27 | Jan 18 |
| 16°F | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 5 | Dec 29 |
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 10 | Oct 25 | Nov 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 2 | Nov 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 14 | Dec 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 27 | Dec 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 10 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 |
| 32°F | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 |
| 28°F | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 |
| 24°F | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 |
| 20°F | Nov 20 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 16 | Jan 30 |
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: Russellville Muni Ap, Ar, about 3.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 403 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 Russellville, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Russellville, AR is about Mar 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 10.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Russellville, 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 Mar 29 on average, or Mar 10 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 219 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 72801 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026