Last frost date in Oak Ridge, TN
Expect the last frost in Oak Ridge around April 5. Frost after April 19 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 1, which leaves 210 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 19 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 19
- Average first frost
- Nov 1
- Frost-free season
- 210 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 23
No frost in the next 7 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2245°
- FriOct 2342°
- SatOct 2443°
- SunOct 2544°
- MonOct 2645°
- TueOct 2748°
- WedOct 2847°
Planting calendar for Oak Ridge
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Tennessee.
TomatoesApr 12–Apr 26
PumpkinsApr 19–May 3
SunflowersApr 5–Apr 26
CucumbersApr 19–Apr 26
CornApr 12–Apr 26
Sweet potatoesApr 26–May 10
WatermelonApr 19–May 3
Green beansApr 12–May 3
ZucchiniApr 12–Apr 26
OkraApr 26–May 10
PeppersApr 19–May 3
BasilApr 12–Apr 26
Butternut squashApr 12–Apr 26
CantaloupeApr 19–May 3
EggplantApr 19–May 3
PotatoesMar 8–Mar 22
OnionsFeb 22–Mar 15
CarrotsMar 15–Apr 19
LettuceMar 22–Apr 12
BroccoliMar 8–Mar 22
BeetsMar 8–Apr 19
PeasFeb 22–Mar 8
CabbageMar 8–Mar 22
RadishesMar 1–Apr 12
Brussels sproutsMar 22–Apr 5
SpinachFeb 22–Mar 15
CilantroMar 22–Apr 12
KaleMar 8–Mar 22
Collard greensMar 8–Mar 22
TurnipsMar 8–Mar 22
DillApr 5–Apr 19
CeleryApr 12–Apr 19
CauliflowerMar 22–Apr 5
LeeksMar 22–Apr 5
Swiss chardMar 22–Apr 19
ParsleyMar 22–Apr 12
Tulip bulbsOct 18–Nov 22
GarlicOct 11–Nov 15
Daffodil bulbsOct 4–Nov 15
StrawberriesMar 8–Mar 22
AsparagusMar 8–Mar 22Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 19 | Apr 5 | Apr 19 | Oct 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 13 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 2 | Mar 23 | Apr 9 | Oct 31 | Nov 11 | Nov 28 |
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 Oak Ridge Atdd (USW00003841) sits 3.4 miles from the center of Oak Ridge at 905 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 Oak Ridge, TN?
The average last frost date in Oak Ridge is April 5, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 19.
When is the first frost in Oak Ridge?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 1. One year in ten it arrives before October 19.
How long is the growing season in Oak Ridge?
About 210 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Oak Ridge?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 12 to April 26. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Tennessee
- FarragutApr 5
- KnoxvilleApr 11
- MaryvilleApr 1
- MorristownApr 10
- ClevelandApr 6
- CookevilleApr 14
- ChattanoogaMar 24
- East RidgeMar 24
- KingsportApr 9
- Johnson CityApr 19
- TullahomaApr 6
- LebanonApr 6