Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Helena, AR

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 17, 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 26, 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 23 Feb 13 Feb 5 Jan 29 Jan 22 Jan 14 Jan 2 -- --
Last 20° Mar 9 Feb 27 Feb 20 Feb 14 Feb 8 Feb 2 Jan 27 Jan 19 Jan 8
Last 24° Mar 13 Mar 5 Feb 28 Feb 23 Feb 18 Feb 14 Feb 9 Feb 3 Jan 27
Last 28° Mar 25 Mar 17 Mar 11 Mar 7 Mar 2 Feb 26 Feb 21 Feb 16 Feb 8
Last 32° Apr 7 Apr 1 Mar 28 Mar 24 Mar 21 Mar 18 Mar 14 Mar 10 Mar 4
Last 36° Apr 17 Apr 12 Apr 9 Apr 6 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 26 Mar 22

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Helena, AR, 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 November 2, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By November 13, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 23, 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 23 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 2 Dec 10 Dec 17 Dec 23 Dec 29 Jan 4 Jan 15 -- --
First 20° Nov 17 Nov 29 Dec 8 Dec 15 Dec 22 Dec 29 Jan 5 Jan 15 Jan 29
First 24° Nov 12 Nov 21 Nov 28 Dec 4 Dec 9 Dec 15 Dec 20 Dec 27 Jan 6
First 28° Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 22 Nov 25 Nov 29 Dec 4 Dec 10
First 32° Oct 27 Nov 2 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 16 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 29
First 36° Oct 18 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 4 Nov 7 Nov 10 Nov 15

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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