Frost dates for 40283 — Louisville, KY
How Louisville compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Louisville falls between March 18 and April 19, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 21 and November 16.
- The median last frost is 13 days earlier than the Kentucky median of Apr 16.
- Its 214-day growing season is longer than 97% of the 785 Kentucky places with a regular frost season (state median 192 days).
- The last frost is 13 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 80 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 18 |
| 50% (median) | April 3 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 19 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 21 |
| 50% (median) | November 3 |
| 90% (late) | November 16 |
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 40283 — Louisville, KY — last frost Apr 3, first frost Nov 3, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Louisville, KY
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 6 – Apr 10 | Sep 8 – Oct 6 |
| Kale | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Broccoli | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Cabbage | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Okra | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — |
| Basil | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 20 – Mar 13 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 20 – Mar 13 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 27 – Apr 10 | Sep 22 – Oct 13 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 6 – Mar 13 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 6 – Mar 13 | — | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 6 – Mar 13 | — | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 6 – Mar 13 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 10 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 10 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 20 – Nov 24 |
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 Bowman Fld, KY weather station, 4 km away (elevation 541 ft (165 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
- Masonic Home Apr 3 · Nov 3
- Fairdale Mar 31 · Nov 7
- Hillview Apr 6 · Nov 1
- Glenview Apr 3 · Nov 3
- Harrods Creek Apr 3 · Nov 3
- Brooks Apr 6 · Nov 1
- Mount Washington Apr 6 · Nov 1
- 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 April 3. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 19, 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 3, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 21.
How long is the growing season in Louisville, KY?
About 214 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.