Frost Dates for Louisville, KY 40214

Last spring frost April 18 · First fall frost October 22 · 187 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a

Frost probability for 40214

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 8April 18March 30
Fall (first frost)October 4October 22November 8

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (55.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Louisville, KY

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
40214April 18October 227a
40216April 18October 227a
40299April 24October 167a
40229April 20October 167a
40291April 20October 167a
40219April 20October 167a
40245April 24October 167a
40272April 20October 167a
40220April 24October 167a
40218April 24October 167a
40241April 18October 227a
40207April 18October 227a
40258April 24October 167a
40205April 18October 227a
40223April 24October 167a
40222April 18October 227a
40215April 18October 227a
40211April 18October 227a
40206April 18October 227a
40228April 20October 167a
40203April 18October 227a
40213April 18October 227a
40208April 18October 227a
40212April 18October 227a
40204April 18October 227a
40210April 18October 227a
40243April 24October 167a
40217April 18October 227a
40242April 18October 227a
40202April 18October 227a
40209April 18October 227a
40280April 18October 227a
40221April 18October 227a
40231April 18October 227a

Month by month in Louisville

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 18). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 18. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 22). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 22. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 187-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Louisville, KY (ZIP 40214)?

The median last spring frost date for Louisville, KY (ZIP code 40214) is around April 18. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Louisville, KY?

The median first fall frost date for Louisville, KY is around October 22. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Louisville, KY?

The frost-free growing season in Louisville is about 187 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Louisville, KY?

Based on frost date patterns, Louisville falls approximately in 7a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Louisville, KY?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 18). For Louisville, that's roughly February 22 to March 7. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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