Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Louisville, 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 6, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before March 30, 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 9 Feb 3 Jan 28 Jan 21 Jan 14 Jan 4 --
Last 20° Mar 10 Mar 1 Feb 22 Feb 17 Feb 11 Feb 6 Jan 31 Jan 24 Jan 13
Last 24° Mar 17 Mar 9 Mar 3 Feb 27 Feb 22 Feb 18 Feb 13 Feb 8 Jan 31
Last 28° Mar 27 Mar 21 Mar 17 Mar 13 Mar 9 Mar 6 Mar 2 Feb 25 Feb 19
Last 32° Apr 14 Apr 9 Apr 6 Apr 3 Mar 31 Mar 28 Mar 25 Mar 21 Mar 16
Last 36° Apr 18 Apr 14 Apr 11 Apr 9 Apr 6 Apr 4 Apr 2 Mar 30 Mar 26

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Louisville, 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 November 2, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By November 11, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 21, 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 21 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 4 Dec 15 Dec 23 Dec 30 Jan 5 Jan 12 Jan 20 Jan 31 --
First 20° Nov 28 Dec 9 Dec 16 Dec 23 Dec 29 Jan 4 Jan 11 Jan 19 Feb 1
First 24° Nov 16 Nov 24 Nov 30 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 14 Dec 19 Dec 25 Jan 2
First 28° Nov 3 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 7
First 32° Oct 28 Nov 2 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 17 Nov 21 Nov 25
First 36° Oct 12 Oct 17 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 28 Oct 31 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 13

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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