Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Canton, MS

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring

As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.

While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.

Key dates for your spring planting:

  • By April 19, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around April 4, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before March 25, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them

If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Feb 22 Feb 10 Feb 1 Jan 22 Jan 10 -- -- -- --
Last 20° Mar 6 Feb 23 Feb 16 Feb 9 Feb 3 Jan 27 Jan 20 Jan 12 Dec 30
Last 24° Mar 15 Mar 6 Feb 28 Feb 22 Feb 17 Feb 12 Feb 6 Jan 31 Jan 22
Last 28° Mar 26 Mar 18 Mar 12 Mar 7 Mar 3 Feb 26 Feb 21 Feb 15 Feb 7
Last 32° Apr 11 Apr 5 Mar 31 Mar 28 Mar 24 Mar 21 Mar 17 Mar 12 Mar 6
Last 36° Apr 19 Apr 14 Apr 10 Apr 7 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 25 Mar 20

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Canton, MS, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.

The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:

1
Early warning: Around October 26, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By November 6, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 17, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past November 17 without a freezing night

These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Dec 12 Dec 25 Jan 5 Jan 15 Jan 28 -- -- -- --
First 20° Nov 22 Dec 3 Dec 10 Dec 16 Dec 22 Dec 28 Jan 4 Jan 11 Jan 24
First 24° Nov 10 Nov 19 Nov 26 Dec 2 Dec 8 Dec 13 Dec 19 Dec 26 Jan 5
First 28° Nov 1 Nov 8 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 27 Dec 2 Dec 8
First 32° Oct 20 Oct 26 Oct 30 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 23
First 36° Oct 7 Oct 13 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 6 Nov 12

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.