Frost dates for 40245 — Louisville, KY
How Louisville compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Louisville falls between March 29 and May 1, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 11 and November 5.
- The median last frost is 4 days earlier than the Kentucky median of Apr 16.
- Its 196-day growing season is longer than 60% of the 785 Kentucky places with a regular frost season (state median 192 days).
- The last frost is 4 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 105 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 29 |
| 50% (median) | April 12 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 11 |
| 50% (median) | October 25 |
| 90% (late) | November 5 |
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 40245 — Louisville, KY — last frost Apr 12, first frost Oct 25, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Louisville, KY
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Mar 15 – Apr 19 | Aug 30 – Sep 27 |
| Kale | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Broccoli | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Cabbage | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Okra | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 17 | May 3 – May 17 | — |
| Basil | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 1 – Mar 22 | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 1 – Mar 22 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 8 – Apr 19 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | Apr 26 – May 3 | Apr 19 – May 3 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | — | Apr 19 – May 3 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | — | Apr 19 – May 3 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 19 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 19 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 12 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 26 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 19 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 19 – May 3 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 26 – May 17 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 11 – Nov 15 |
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 Crestwood 4ne, KY weather station, 12 km away (elevation 781 ft (238 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
- Pewee Valley Apr 12 · Oct 25
- Eastwood Apr 12 · Oct 25
- Crestwood Apr 12 · Oct 25
- Simpsonville May 1 · Oct 10
- Buckner Apr 12 · Oct 25
- Fisherville Apr 6 · Nov 1
- Prospect Apr 3 · Nov 3
- Harrods Creek Apr 3 · Nov 3
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Louisville, KY?
The median last spring frost in Louisville, KY is April 12. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 1, 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 October 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 11.
How long is the growing season in Louisville, KY?
About 196 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.