Frost dates for 40209 — Louisville, KY
How Louisville compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Louisville falls between March 14 and April 16, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 28 and November 23.
- The median last frost is 16 days earlier than the Kentucky median of Apr 16.
- Its 221-day growing season is among the longest of the 785 Kentucky places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 16 days earlier than the zone 7a median of Apr 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 74 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 14 |
| 50% (median) | March 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 28 |
| 50% (median) | November 7 |
| 90% (late) | November 23 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Louisville, KY
Frost dates for 40209 — Louisville, KY — last frost Mar 31, first frost Nov 7, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Louisville, KY
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Mar 3 – Apr 7 | Sep 12 – Oct 10 |
| Kale | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| Broccoli | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Cabbage | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Okra | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 21 – May 5 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — |
| Basil | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 24 – Apr 7 | Sep 26 – Oct 17 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 14 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 7 | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 14 – May 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 24 – Nov 28 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Louisville Intl Ap, KY weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 489 ft (149 m)).
ZIP codes in Louisville: 40201 40202 40203 40204 40205 40206 40207 40208 40209 40210 40211 40212 40213 40214 40215 40216 40217 40218 40219 40220 40221 40222 40223 40224 40225 40228 40229 40231 40232 40233 40241 40242 40243 40245 40250 40251 40252 40253 40255 40256 40257 40258 40259 40261 40266 40268 40269 40270 40272 40280 40281 40282 40283 40285 40287 40289 40290 40291 40292 40293 …
Frost dates near Louisville
- Fairdale Mar 31 · Nov 7
- Masonic Home Apr 3 · Nov 3
- Hillview Apr 6 · Nov 1
- Brooks Apr 6 · Nov 1
- Glenview Apr 3 · Nov 3
- Harrods Creek Apr 3 · Nov 3
- Shepherdsville Apr 18 · Oct 25
- Prospect Apr 3 · Nov 3
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Louisville, KY?
The median last spring frost in Louisville, KY is March 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Louisville, KY?
The median first fall frost is November 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 28.
How long is the growing season in Louisville, KY?
About 221 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Louisville, KY?
Louisville, KY is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.