Frost dates for Fort Smith, Arkansas
In a typical year, Fort Smith’s last spring frost lands around Mar 25 and the first fall frost around Nov 6, a growing season of about 226 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 8a.
Right now the growing season is open, with about 12 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Mar 4 | Oct 23 |
| 50 percent | Mar 25 | Nov 6 |
| 90 percent | Apr 11 | Nov 21 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in Fort Smith is typically around 61°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Fort Smith
- Garlic (Music)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Fort Smith’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Fort Smith, Arkansas?
Fort Smith’s last spring frost falls around March 25 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by March 4, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 11. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Fort Smith?
The first fall frost arrives around November 6 in a typical year, as early as October 23 in an early year and as late as November 21 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Fort Smith?
About 226 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Fort Smith in?
Fort Smith is in USDA hardiness zone 8a under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.
Nearby cities
- Fayetteville, AR (around Apr 4 to Oct 31)
- Springdale, AR (around Apr 4 to Oct 31)
- Russellville, AR (around Mar 29 to Nov 2)
- Mcalester, OK (around Mar 31 to Nov 3)
- Broken Arrow, OK (around Apr 1 to Nov 1)
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