Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for University, 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 May 10, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around April 24, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before April 13, 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 1 Feb 22 Feb 17 Feb 12 Feb 7 Feb 1 Jan 25 Jan 16
Last 20° Mar 21 Mar 12 Mar 6 Mar 1 Feb 24 Feb 19 Feb 14 Feb 8 Jan 31
Last 24° Apr 3 Mar 26 Mar 20 Mar 15 Mar 10 Mar 6 Feb 28 Feb 23 Feb 14
Last 28° Apr 12 Apr 7 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 26 Mar 23 Mar 19 Mar 14
Last 32° Apr 25 Apr 20 Apr 17 Apr 14 Apr 11 Apr 9 Apr 6 Apr 3 Mar 29
Last 36° May 10 May 4 Apr 30 Apr 27 Apr 24 Apr 20 Apr 17 Apr 13 Apr 7

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in University, 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 10, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 20, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 31, 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 October 31 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 20 Dec 2 Dec 10 Dec 17 Dec 24 Dec 31 Jan 7 Jan 16 Jan 28
First 20° Nov 9 Nov 16 Nov 22 Nov 27 Dec 2 Dec 6 Dec 11 Dec 17 Dec 25
First 24° Nov 2 Nov 8 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 7
First 28° Oct 16 Oct 22 Oct 27 Oct 30 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 10 Nov 15 Nov 21
First 32° Oct 4 Oct 10 Oct 14 Oct 17 Oct 20 Oct 23 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 5
First 36° Sep 28 Oct 2 Oct 5 Oct 7 Oct 10 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 22

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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