Last spring frost
Mar 30
Frost Dates for Charleston, AR
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
222 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Charleston, AR, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 30 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 222-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 30 | Apr 13 | Mar 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 17 | Mar 30 | Mar 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Mar 15 | Feb 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 4 | Feb 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 |
| 32°F | Apr 17 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 10 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 |
| 24°F | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 |
| 20°F | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 25 |
| 16°F | Mar 5 | Feb 25 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 6 |
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 15 | Oct 29 | Nov 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 6 | Nov 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 18 | Dec 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 1 | Dec 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 |
| 32°F | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 |
| 28°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 |
| 20°F | Nov 22 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 10 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 16 | Jan 29 |
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: Ozark 2, Ar, about 15.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 830 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 Charleston, AR?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Charleston, AR is about Mar 30. 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 Charleston, 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 30 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 222 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 72933 Planting calendar → Arkansas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026