In Kentucky, the last spring frost usually comes between April 10 and May 1, and the first fall frost between October 13 and October 27, depending on where you live. Most of Kentucky is in USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for Kentucky cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington | 7a | April 20 | May 1 | Oct. 23 |
| Louisville | 7a | April 5 | April 14 | Nov. 5 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 11 | April 21 | Oct. 26 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 10 | April 20 | Oct. 27 |
| Covington | 6b | April 23 | May 3 | Oct. 20 |
| Hopkinsville | 7a | April 9 | April 19 | Oct. 28 |
| Elizabethtown | 7a | April 22 | May 4 | Oct. 21 |
| Henderson | 7a | April 16 | April 24 | Oct. 20 |
| Frankfort | 6b | April 22 | May 5 | Oct. 20 |
| Paducah | 7a | April 12 | April 23 | Oct. 23 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Kentucky. Among the cities above, Louisville has the earliest last frost (around April 5) and Covington the latest (around April 23), about 3 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in Kentucky
Most of Kentucky is in USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 199 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Kentucky:
- Zone 6 (about 20% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 7 (about 80% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Kentucky?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Kentucky, the last spring frost comes between April 10 and May 1. In Lexington, it is around April 20.
When is the first frost in Kentucky?
Across most of Kentucky, the first fall frost comes between October 13 and October 27. In Lexington, it is around October 23.
What planting zone is Kentucky?
Most of Kentucky is in USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Kentucky?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Lexington, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around May 1. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 7.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.