Last frost date in Columbus, MS
Expect the last frost in Columbus around March 13. Frost after April 2 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 12, which leaves 244 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 30 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 2
- Average first frost
- Nov 12
- Frost-free season
- 244 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Feb 26
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2247°
- FriOct 2346°
- SatOct 2445°
- SunOct 2544°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2747°
- WedOct 2845°
Planting calendar for Columbus
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Mississippi.
TomatoesMar 20–Apr 3
PumpkinsMar 27–Apr 10
SunflowersMar 13–Apr 3
CucumbersMar 27–Apr 3
CornMar 20–Apr 3
Sweet potatoesApr 3–Apr 17
WatermelonMar 27–Apr 10
Green beansMar 20–Apr 10
ZucchiniMar 20–Apr 3
OkraApr 3–Apr 17
PeppersMar 27–Apr 10
BasilMar 20–Apr 3
Butternut squashMar 20–Apr 3
CantaloupeMar 27–Apr 10
EggplantMar 27–Apr 10
PotatoesFeb 13–Feb 27
OnionsJan 30–Feb 20
CarrotsFeb 20–Mar 27
LettuceFeb 27–Mar 20
BroccoliFeb 13–Feb 27
BeetsFeb 13–Mar 27
PeasJan 30–Feb 13
CabbageFeb 13–Feb 27
RadishesFeb 6–Mar 20
Brussels sproutsFeb 27–Mar 13
SpinachJan 30–Feb 20
CilantroFeb 27–Mar 20
KaleFeb 13–Feb 27
Collard greensFeb 13–Feb 27
TurnipsFeb 13–Feb 27
DillMar 13–Mar 27
CeleryMar 20–Mar 27
CauliflowerFeb 27–Mar 13
LeeksFeb 27–Mar 13
Swiss chardFeb 27–Mar 27
ParsleyFeb 27–Mar 20
Tulip bulbsOct 29–Dec 3
GarlicOct 22–Nov 26
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 26
StrawberriesFeb 13–Feb 27
AsparagusFeb 13–Feb 27Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Feb 19 | Mar 13 | Apr 2 | Oct 30 | Nov 12 | Dec 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Jan 30 | Feb 26 | Mar 17 | Nov 7 | Nov 27 | Dec 23 |
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 Columbus (USC00221880) sits 3.1 miles from the center of Columbus at 145 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 Columbus, MS?
The average last frost date in Columbus is March 13, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 2.
When is the first frost in Columbus?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 12. One year in ten it arrives before October 30.
How long is the growing season in Columbus?
About 244 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Columbus?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 20 to April 3. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.