Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Carthage, 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 21, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around April 8, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before March 31, 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 26 Feb 16 Feb 8 Feb 1 Jan 24 Jan 15 Dec 30 -- --
Last 20° Mar 7 Feb 25 Feb 18 Feb 12 Feb 6 Feb 1 Jan 26 Jan 18 Jan 6
Last 24° Mar 12 Mar 5 Feb 28 Feb 24 Feb 20 Feb 16 Feb 11 Feb 6 Jan 30
Last 28° Mar 26 Mar 20 Mar 16 Mar 13 Mar 9 Mar 6 Mar 3 Feb 26 Feb 21
Last 32° Apr 13 Apr 8 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 26 Mar 23 Mar 19 Mar 14
Last 36° Apr 21 Apr 17 Apr 14 Apr 11 Apr 8 Apr 6 Apr 3 Mar 31 Mar 26

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Carthage, 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 22, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By November 2, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 14, 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 14 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 5 Dec 18 Dec 28 Jan 6 Jan 16 Jan 27 Feb 17 -- --
First 20° Nov 23 Dec 3 Dec 11 Dec 18 Dec 24 Dec 30 Jan 6 Jan 14 Jan 26
First 24° Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 25 Nov 29 Dec 3 Dec 8 Dec 12 Dec 17 Dec 25
First 28° Oct 28 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 29 Dec 5
First 32° Oct 16 Oct 22 Oct 26 Oct 30 Nov 2 Nov 6 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 20
First 36° Oct 6 Oct 11 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 24 Oct 27 Oct 30 Nov 5

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

Or enter a new zipcode:

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