Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Jackson, 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 18, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around April 5, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before March 27, 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 18 Feb 6 Jan 29 Jan 20 Jan 10 Dec 24 -- -- --
Last 20° Mar 5 Feb 22 Feb 14 Feb 6 Jan 31 Jan 23 Jan 15 Jan 1 --
Last 24° Mar 12 Mar 4 Feb 25 Feb 20 Feb 15 Feb 10 Feb 5 Jan 29 Jan 21
Last 28° Mar 21 Mar 14 Mar 8 Mar 3 Feb 27 Feb 22 Feb 17 Feb 12 Feb 4
Last 32° Apr 8 Apr 2 Mar 29 Mar 26 Mar 23 Mar 20 Mar 16 Mar 12 Mar 7
Last 36° Apr 18 Apr 13 Apr 10 Apr 7 Apr 5 Apr 2 Mar 30 Mar 27 Mar 22

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Jackson, 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 29, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By November 9, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 20, 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 20 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 21 Jan 1 Jan 9 Jan 16 Jan 26 Feb 10 -- -- --
First 20° Nov 28 Dec 11 Dec 20 Dec 28 Jan 5 Jan 13 Jan 23 Feb 7 --
First 24° Nov 16 Nov 25 Dec 2 Dec 8 Dec 13 Dec 18 Dec 24 Dec 30 Jan 9
First 28° Nov 7 Nov 12 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 27 Nov 30 Dec 5 Dec 10
First 32° Oct 23 Oct 29 Nov 2 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 26
First 36° Oct 11 Oct 17 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 5 Nov 10 Nov 16

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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