Frost dates for 71655Monticello, AR
The average last spring frost in Monticello is March 18 and the average first fall frost is November 12, giving a typical growing season of about 238 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 18
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 12
- Growing season
- 238 days
Safer after Apr 6 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 28 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 9 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 13 · Apr 1 · Apr 17 | Oct 19 · Nov 1 · Nov 17 | 214 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 26 · Mar 18 · Apr 6 | Oct 28 · Nov 12 · Dec 1 | 238 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 10 · Mar 4 · Mar 23 | Nov 5 · Nov 25 · Dec 17 | 264 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Monticello
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 15 – Apr 23 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Jul 23 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Feb 15 – Mar 18 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 18 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Mar 4 – Apr 2 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 18 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 17 – Aug 2 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 3 – May 18 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 17 – May 18 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 3 – Aug 25 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 3 – Jul 23 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Apr 17 – May 18 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Apr 10 – May 3 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 15 – Apr 2 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Feb 15 – Apr 17 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 4 – Jan 31 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 4 – Apr 2 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 28 – Mar 3 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 4 – Apr 2 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 13 – Jul 23 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 12 – Aug 23 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 15 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 15 – Mar 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 3 – Aug 2 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 2 – Sep 2 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 15 – May 3 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 2 – Sep 18 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 8 – Mar 24 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 19 – Sep 23 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 15 – Apr 7 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 2 – Oct 3 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 4 – Mar 24 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 26 – Sep 2 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 18 – May 3 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 3 – Aug 18 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Nov 2 – Dec 3 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 71655 is matched to the NOAA station Monticello Muni Ap, AR, 3.8 km away, at 290 ft elevation (14 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monticello Muni Ap, AR (used) | 290 ft | Mar 18 | Nov 12 |
| Warren 2 Wsw, AR | 210 ft | Mar 20 | Nov 11 |
| Cane Creek Sp, AR | 260 ft | Mar 15 | Nov 17 |
| Dumas, AR | 163 ft | Mar 12 | Nov 14 |
Frost dates near Monticello
- Monticello, AR 71656 · last Mar 18, first Nov 12
- Wilmar, AR 71675 · last Mar 20, first Nov 11
- Warren, AR 71671 · last Mar 20, first Nov 11
- Fountain Hill, AR 71642 · last Mar 18, first Nov 11
- Winchester, AR 71677 · last Mar 12, first Nov 14
- Tillar, AR 71670 · last Mar 13, first Nov 10
- Dermott, AR 71638 · last Mar 13, first Nov 10
- Star City, AR 71667 · last Mar 15, first Nov 17
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Monticello, AR?
- For ZIP code 71655, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 18, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Monticello Muni Ap, AR weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 6.
- When is the first frost in Monticello, AR?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 12. 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 71655?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 238 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.