Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Dix Dam, KY

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 May 13, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around April 25, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before April 14, 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° Mar 10 Mar 3 Feb 26 Feb 22 Feb 18 Feb 14 Feb 9 Feb 4 Jan 28
Last 20° Mar 25 Mar 17 Mar 12 Mar 8 Mar 3 Feb 27 Feb 23 Feb 17 Feb 10
Last 24° Apr 3 Mar 28 Mar 24 Mar 20 Mar 17 Mar 14 Mar 10 Mar 6 Feb 28
Last 28° Apr 16 Apr 11 Apr 8 Apr 5 Apr 3 Mar 31 Mar 28 Mar 25 Mar 21
Last 32° Apr 25 Apr 20 Apr 17 Apr 14 Apr 11 Apr 9 Apr 6 Apr 3 Mar 29
Last 36° May 13 May 7 May 2 Apr 29 Apr 25 Apr 22 Apr 18 Apr 14 Apr 8

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Dix Dam, KY, 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 17, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 28, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 8, 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 8 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° Nov 29 Dec 5 Dec 10 Dec 14 Dec 18 Dec 21 Dec 25 Dec 30 Jan 6
First 20° Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 24 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 6 Dec 10 Dec 15 Dec 22
First 24° Nov 3 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 6
First 28° Oct 24 Oct 29 Nov 2 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 22
First 32° Oct 12 Oct 17 Oct 22 Oct 25 Oct 28 Oct 31 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 14
First 36° Sep 30 Oct 4 Oct 7 Oct 10 Oct 13 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 25

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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