Frost dates for 71631Banks, AR
The average last spring frost in Banks is March 20 and the average first fall frost is November 11, giving a typical growing season of about 235 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 20
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 11
- Growing season
- 235 days
Safer after Apr 7 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 28 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 8 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 15 · Apr 2 · Apr 19 | Oct 18 · Oct 31 · Nov 15 | 213 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 2 · Mar 20 · Apr 7 | Oct 28 · Nov 11 · Nov 29 | 235 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 15 · Mar 6 · Mar 24 | Nov 5 · Nov 23 · Dec 14 | 261 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Banks
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 17 – Apr 25 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | Apr 5 – Jul 22 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Feb 17 – Mar 20 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 20 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Mar 6 – Apr 4 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 20 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 19 – Aug 1 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 5 – May 20 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 19 – May 20 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 5 – Aug 24 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 5 – Jul 22 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Apr 19 – May 20 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Apr 12 – May 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 17 – Apr 4 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Feb 17 – Apr 19 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 6 – Feb 2 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 6 – Apr 4 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 30 – Mar 5 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 6 – Apr 4 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 12 – Jul 22 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 11 – Aug 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 20 – Feb 17 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 17 – Mar 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 2 – Aug 1 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 1 – Sep 1 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 17 – May 5 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 1 – Sep 17 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 10 – Mar 26 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 18 – Sep 22 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 17 – Apr 9 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 1 – Oct 2 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 6 – Mar 26 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 25 – Sep 1 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 20 – May 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 2 – Aug 17 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Nov 1 – Dec 2 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 71631 is matched to the NOAA station Warren 2 Wsw, AR, 16.1 km away, at 210 ft elevation (39 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren 2 Wsw, AR (used) | 210 ft | Mar 20 | Nov 11 |
| Fordyce, AR | 230 ft | Mar 26 | Nov 6 |
| Calion L&D, AR | 77 ft | Mar 18 | Nov 7 |
| Rison, AR | 280 ft | Mar 17 | Nov 14 |
Frost dates near Banks
- Harrell, AR 71745 · last Mar 18, first Nov 7
- Jersey, AR 71651 · last Mar 18, first Nov 7
- Warren, AR 71671 · last Mar 20, first Nov 11
- Hermitage, AR 71647 · last Mar 20, first Nov 11
- New Edinburg, AR 71660 · last Mar 20, first Nov 11
- Hampton, AR 71744 · last Mar 18, first Nov 7
- Wilmar, AR 71675 · last Mar 20, first Nov 11
- Thornton, AR 71766 · last Mar 26, first Nov 6
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Banks, AR?
- For ZIP code 71631, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 20, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Warren 2 Wsw, AR weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 7.
- When is the first frost in Banks, AR?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 11. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 28, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 71631?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 235 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.