Last frost date in Bristol, TN
In Bristol, the last spring frost comes around April 16 in an average year. Wait until May 5 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 24, which leaves 190 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 11 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 5
- Average first frost
- Oct 24
- Frost-free season
- 190 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 1
Frost possible in low spots Thu night, low 36°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2236°possible frost
- FriOct 2338°
- SatOct 2436°possible frost
- SunOct 2537°
- MonOct 2640°
- TueOct 2744°
- WedOct 2843°
Planting calendar for Bristol
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Tennessee.
TomatoesApr 23–May 7
PumpkinsApr 30–May 14
SunflowersApr 16–May 7
CucumbersApr 30–May 7
CornApr 23–May 7
Sweet potatoesMay 7–May 21
WatermelonApr 30–May 14
Green beansApr 23–May 14
ZucchiniApr 23–May 7
OkraMay 7–May 21
PeppersApr 30–May 14
BasilApr 23–May 7
Butternut squashApr 23–May 7
CantaloupeApr 30–May 14
EggplantApr 30–May 14
PotatoesMar 19–Apr 2
OnionsMar 5–Mar 26
CarrotsMar 26–Apr 30
LettuceApr 2–Apr 23
BroccoliMar 19–Apr 2
BeetsMar 19–Apr 30
PeasMar 5–Mar 19
CabbageMar 19–Apr 2
RadishesMar 12–Apr 23
Brussels sproutsApr 2–Apr 16
SpinachMar 5–Mar 26
CilantroApr 2–Apr 23
KaleMar 19–Apr 2
Collard greensMar 19–Apr 2
TurnipsMar 19–Apr 2
DillApr 16–Apr 30
CeleryApr 23–Apr 30
CauliflowerApr 2–Apr 16
LeeksApr 2–Apr 16
Swiss chardApr 2–Apr 30
ParsleyApr 2–Apr 23
Tulip bulbsOct 10–Nov 14
GarlicOct 3–Nov 7
Daffodil bulbsSep 26–Nov 7
StrawberriesMar 19–Apr 2
AsparagusMar 19–Apr 2Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 30 | Apr 16 | May 5 | Oct 11 | Oct 24 | Nov 4 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 16 | Apr 1 | Apr 18 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 |
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 Bristol Tri City Airport (USW00013877) sits 12.0 miles from the center of Bristol at 1,500 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 Bristol, TN?
The average last frost date in Bristol is April 16, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 5.
When is the first frost in Bristol?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 24. One year in ten it arrives before October 11.
How long is the growing season in Bristol?
About 190 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Bristol?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 23 to May 7. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Tennessee
- Johnson CityApr 19
- KingsportApr 9
- MorristownApr 10
- KnoxvilleApr 11
- MaryvilleApr 1
- FarragutApr 5
- Oak RidgeApr 5
- ClevelandApr 6
- CookevilleApr 14
- ChattanoogaMar 24
- East RidgeMar 24
- LebanonApr 6