Frost dates for 40228 — Louisville, KY
How Louisville compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Louisville falls between March 23 and April 23, a 31-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 21 and November 15.
- The median last frost is 10 days earlier than the Kentucky median of Apr 16.
- Its 209-day growing season is longer than 86% of the 785 Kentucky places with a regular frost season (state median 192 days).
- The last frost is 10 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 85 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 23 |
| 50% (median) | April 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 21 |
| 50% (median) | November 1 |
| 90% (late) | November 15 |
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 40228 — Louisville, KY — last frost Apr 6, first frost Nov 1, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Louisville, KY
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 9 – Apr 13 | Sep 6 – Oct 4 |
| Kale | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Broccoli | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Cabbage | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Okra | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 27 – May 11 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — |
| Basil | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 16 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 16 | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 2 – Apr 13 | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | — | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | — | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 13 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 13 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 20 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 13 – May 4 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 20 – May 11 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 18 – Nov 22 |
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 Wfo, KY weather station, 4 km away (elevation 633 ft (193 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
- Hillview Apr 6 · Nov 1
- Fairdale Mar 31 · Nov 7
- Mount Washington Apr 6 · Nov 1
- Masonic Home Apr 3 · Nov 3
- Brooks Apr 6 · Nov 1
- Glenview Apr 3 · Nov 3
- Fisherville Apr 6 · Nov 1
- Shepherdsville Apr 18 · Oct 25
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Louisville, KY?
The median last spring frost in Louisville, KY is April 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 23, 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 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 21.
How long is the growing season in Louisville, KY?
About 209 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.