Frost Dates for Fort Smith, AR
In Fort Smith, AR, the average last spring frost is around Mar 25 and the average first fall frost around Nov 6, for a growing season of about 224 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 11, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Ft Smith Rgnl Airport, AR weather station, 1 mile away, elevation 449 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Apr 11 | Oct 23 |
| 20% | Apr 6 | Oct 29 |
| 30% | Apr 3 | Nov 1 |
| 40% | Mar 30 | Nov 4 |
| 50% | Mar 25 | Nov 6 |
| 60% | Mar 21 | Nov 8 |
| 70% | Mar 16 | Nov 13 |
| 80% | Mar 12 | Nov 16 |
| 90% | Mar 4 | Nov 21 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 8 | Oct 28 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 25 | Nov 6 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 11 | Nov 17 |
Planting calendar for Fort Smith
Transplant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Transplant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Sow or transplant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Sow or transplant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Sow or transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Sow or transplant Feb 25 – Mar 11
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Oct 9
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Oct 2
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 11
Sow or transplant Feb 25 – Mar 11
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 25
Transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Transplant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Fall sowing Sep 25 – Oct 16
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 11
Plant Feb 25 – Mar 11
Based on the average last frost (Mar 25) and first frost (Nov 6). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.