Frost dates for 39740Caledonia, MS
The average last spring frost in Caledonia is March 29 and the average first fall frost is November 5, giving a typical growing season of about 222 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 29
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 5
- Growing season
- 222 days
Safer after Apr 16 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 22 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 2 days
Frost risk by date
NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.
| Temperature | Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance | First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance | Growing season (50%) | Years with at least one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Mar 22 · Apr 10 · Apr 25 | Oct 14 · Oct 27 · Nov 11 | 201 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 5 · Mar 29 · Apr 16 | Oct 22 · Nov 5 · Nov 27 | 222 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 19 · Mar 13 · Apr 5 | Nov 1 · Nov 19 · Dec 9 | 249 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Caledonia
Planting windows from the University of Maryland Extension calendar, shifted to your average frost dates. Use them as a starting point and adjust for seed packet instructions and local conditions.
| Crop | Task | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | Feb 26 – May 4 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – Jul 16 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Feb 26 – Mar 29 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 29 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Mar 15 – Apr 13 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 29 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 28 – Jul 26 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 14 – May 29 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 28 – May 29 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 14 – Aug 18 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 14 – Jul 16 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Apr 28 – May 29 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Apr 21 – May 14 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 26 – Apr 13 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Feb 26 – Apr 28 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 15 – Feb 11 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 13 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Feb 8 – Mar 14 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 13 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 6 – Jul 16 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 5 – Aug 16 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 29 – Feb 26 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 26 – Mar 29 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jun 26 – Jul 26 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 26 – Aug 26 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 26 – May 14 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 26 – Sep 11 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 19 – Apr 4 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 12 – Sep 16 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 26 – Apr 18 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 26 – Sep 26 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 4 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 19 – Aug 26 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 29 – May 14 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 26 – Aug 11 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Oct 26 – Nov 26 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 39740 is matched to the NOAA station Vernon, AL, 18.3 km away, at 298 ft elevation (43 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vernon, AL (used) | 298 ft | Mar 29 | Nov 5 |
| Aberdeen, MS | 198 ft | Mar 29 | Nov 5 |
| Columbus, MS | 145 ft | Mar 13 | Nov 12 |
| Fayette, AL | 357 ft | Mar 20 | Nov 9 |
Frost dates near Caledonia
- Hamilton, MS 39746 · last Mar 29, first Nov 5
- Steens, MS 39766 · last Mar 13, first Nov 12
- Columbus, MS 39704 · last Mar 13, first Nov 12
- Millport, AL 35576 · last Mar 29, first Nov 5
- Gattman, MS 38844 · last Mar 29, first Nov 5
- Vernon, AL 35592 · last Mar 29, first Nov 5
- Greenwood Springs, MS 38848 · last Mar 29, first Nov 5
- Sulligent, AL 35586 · last Mar 29, first Nov 5
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Caledonia, MS?
- For ZIP code 39740, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 29, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Vernon, AL weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 16.
- When is the first frost in Caledonia, MS?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 5. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 22, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 39740?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 222 days long.
- Are these frost dates a forecast?
- No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.