Last frost date in Little Rock, AR
The average last frost in Little Rock is March 21. By April 6 the chance of another 32°F night drops to 1 in 10. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 10, which leaves 234 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 29 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 6
- Average first frost
- Nov 10
- Frost-free season
- 234 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 8
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2252°
- FriOct 2351°
- SatOct 2452°
- SunOct 2552°
- MonOct 2652°
- TueOct 2753°
- WedOct 2851°
Planting calendar for Little Rock
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Arkansas.
TomatoesMar 28–Apr 11
PumpkinsApr 4–Apr 18
SunflowersMar 21–Apr 11
CucumbersApr 4–Apr 11
CornMar 28–Apr 11
Sweet potatoesApr 11–Apr 25
WatermelonApr 4–Apr 18
Green beansMar 28–Apr 18
ZucchiniMar 28–Apr 11
OkraApr 11–Apr 25
PeppersApr 4–Apr 18
BasilMar 28–Apr 11
Butternut squashMar 28–Apr 11
CantaloupeApr 4–Apr 18
EggplantApr 4–Apr 18
PotatoesFeb 21–Mar 7
OnionsFeb 7–Feb 28
CarrotsFeb 28–Apr 4
LettuceMar 7–Mar 28
BroccoliFeb 21–Mar 7
BeetsFeb 21–Apr 4
PeasFeb 7–Feb 21
CabbageFeb 21–Mar 7
RadishesFeb 14–Mar 28
Brussels sproutsMar 7–Mar 21
SpinachFeb 7–Feb 28
CilantroMar 7–Mar 28
KaleFeb 21–Mar 7
Collard greensFeb 21–Mar 7
TurnipsFeb 21–Mar 7
DillMar 21–Apr 4
CeleryMar 28–Apr 4
CauliflowerMar 7–Mar 21
LeeksMar 7–Mar 21
Swiss chardMar 7–Apr 4
ParsleyMar 7–Mar 28
Tulip bulbsOct 27–Dec 1
GarlicOct 20–Nov 24
Daffodil bulbsOct 13–Nov 24
StrawberriesFeb 21–Mar 7
AsparagusFeb 21–Mar 7Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 2 | Mar 21 | Apr 6 | Oct 29 | Nov 10 | Nov 25 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 20 | Mar 8 | Mar 26 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 | Dec 8 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Little Rock Airport Adams Field (USW00013963) sits 6.8 miles from the center of Little Rock at 258 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Little Rock, AR?
The average last frost date in Little Rock is March 21, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 6.
When is the first frost in Little Rock?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 10. One year in ten it arrives before October 29.
How long is the growing season in Little Rock?
About 234 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Little Rock?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 28 to April 11. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Arkansas
- North Little RockMar 21
- BryantMar 24
- SherwoodMar 16
- BentonMar 24
- JacksonvilleMar 16
- ConwayApr 2
- CabotApr 4
- Pine BluffMar 14
- Hot SpringsMar 19
- SearcyMar 27
- RussellvilleMar 29
- JonesboroMar 23