Frost Dates for Lexington-Fayette, KY
In Lexington-Fayette, KY, the average last spring frost is around Apr 13 and the average first fall frost around Oct 28, for a growing season of about 196 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 1, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Lexington Bluegrass Airport, KY weather station, 8 miles away, elevation 980 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% | May 1 | Oct 16 |
| 20% | Apr 25 | Oct 20 |
| 30% | Apr 20 | Oct 23 |
| 40% | Apr 16 | Oct 25 |
| 50% | Apr 13 | Oct 28 |
| 60% | Apr 9 | Oct 30 |
| 70% | Apr 6 | Nov 1 |
| 80% | Apr 2 | Nov 4 |
| 90% | Mar 30 | Nov 8 |
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 24 | Oct 19 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 13 | Oct 28 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 31 | Nov 6 |
Planting calendar for Lexington-Fayette
Transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Transplant Apr 27 – May 11
Transplant Apr 27 – May 11
Transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Sow or transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Sow or transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Sow or transplant Apr 27 – May 11
Sow or transplant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Fall sowing Sep 2 – Sep 30
Fall sowing Sep 2 – Sep 23
Fall sowing Aug 19 – Sep 2
Sow or transplant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Fall sowing Aug 19 – Sep 16
Transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Fall sowing Aug 5 – Aug 19
Transplant Mar 23 – Apr 6
Fall sowing Aug 5 – Aug 19
Fall sowing Aug 5 – Aug 19
Fall sowing Sep 16 – Oct 7
Fall sowing Aug 19 – Sep 2
Plant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Based on the average last frost (Apr 13) and first frost (Oct 28). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.