Last spring frost
Mar 25
Frost Dates for Fort Smith, AR
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
224 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Fort Smith, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 25 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 224-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 4 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 25 | Apr 8 | Mar 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 25 | Mar 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 11 | Feb 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 18 | Feb 27 | Jan 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 25 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 4 |
| 28°F | Apr 2 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 |
| 24°F | Mar 18 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Jan 31 |
| 20°F | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 18 |
| 16°F | Mar 1 | Feb 17 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 18 | Jan 10 | 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 16 | Oct 28 | Nov 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 17 | Dec 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 30 | Dec 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 11 |
| 32°F | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 |
| 24°F | Nov 9 | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 |
| 20°F | Nov 23 | Nov 30 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | Jan 11 |
| 16°F | Dec 9 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 16 | Jan 31 |
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: Ft Smith Rgnl Ap, Ar, about 3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 449 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 Fort Smith, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fort Smith, AR is about Mar 25. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Fort Smith, AR typically arrives about Nov 6. 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 25 on average, or Mar 4 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 224 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 72908 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026