Frost dates for 42003 — Paducah, KY
How Paducah compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Paducah falls between March 21 and April 23, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 15 and November 9.
- The median last frost is 10 days earlier than the Kentucky median of Apr 16.
- Its 204-day growing season is longer than 75% 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 83 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 21 |
| 50% (median) | April 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 15 |
| 50% (median) | October 27 |
| 90% (late) | November 9 |
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 Paducah, KY
Frost dates for 42003 — Paducah, KY — last frost Apr 6, first frost Oct 27, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Paducah, 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 1 – Sep 29 |
| Kale | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Broccoli | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cabbage | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| 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 4 – Aug 25 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 16 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 2 – Apr 13 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | — | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| 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 4 – Aug 18 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 13 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 20 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 13 – May 4 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 20 – May 11 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 13 – Nov 17 |
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 Brookport Dam, IL weather station, 11 km away (elevation 331 ft (101 m)).
ZIP codes in Paducah: 42001 42002 42003
Frost dates near Paducah
- Ledbetter Apr 3 · Oct 30
- Boaz Apr 5 · Oct 28
- West Paducah Apr 5 · Oct 28
- Symsonia Apr 9 · Oct 19
- Calvert City Apr 3 · Oct 30
- Melber Apr 5 · Oct 28
- Hickory Apr 5 · Oct 28
- Lovelaceville Apr 3 · Oct 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Paducah, KY?
The median last spring frost in Paducah, 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 Paducah, KY?
The median first fall frost is October 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 15.
How long is the growing season in Paducah, KY?
About 204 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Paducah, KY?
Paducah, KY is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.