Last spring frost
Apr 1
Frost Dates for Dardanelle, AR
First fall frost
Nov 2
Growing season
215 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Dardanelle, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 1 and the first fall frost is about Nov 2, giving roughly a 215-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 16 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 28 | Apr 13 | Mar 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 17 | Apr 1 | Mar 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 19 | Mar 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 5 | Feb 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 28 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 |
| 32°F | Apr 17 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 |
| 28°F | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 |
| 24°F | Mar 24 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 12 |
| 20°F | Mar 12 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 |
| 16°F | Mar 1 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 20 | Jan 13 | Dec 31 |
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 24 | Nov 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 2 | Nov 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 12 | Nov 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 25 | Dec 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 |
| 32°F | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 28°F | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 |
| 24°F | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 |
| 20°F | Nov 16 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 2 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 14 | Jan 23 |
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: Dardanelle, Ar, about 4.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 370 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 Dardanelle, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Dardanelle, AR is about Apr 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 16.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Dardanelle, 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 1 on average, or Mar 16 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 215 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 72834 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026