Arkansas weather and outdoor projects
Arkansas has hot, humid summers, mild to cool winters and frequent spring storms. Spring is the wettest season, with heavy rain events common from March through May, so finding several dry days in a row for deck staining can be hard. Late summer and fall are often drier and give the most dependable stretches for staining and painting.
The Ozarks in the northwest are cooler and see more frost and occasional ice, while the southern lowlands are warmer and more humid. Ice storms are a winter risk statewide. Fresh concrete in winter needs protection on nights in the 20s, which happen most years in the north of the state.
Frost dates in Arkansas
In Little Rock, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 16 and the median first fall freeze is around November 16, a frost-free season of about 245 days.
In Fort Smith, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 25 and the median first fall freeze is around November 6, a frost-free season of about 224 days.
How Arkansas compares with other states
Little Rock has the 9th-most days at 90°F or hotter of the 50 state main stations (70 a year). Little Rock is tied for the 11th-longest frost-free season of the 50 state main stations (245 days). Little Rock has the 12th-fewest freezing nights of the 50 state main stations (41 a year).
| Measure (Little Rock) | Value | Rank, highest first |
|---|---|---|
| Deck staining season | 4 good months | 20th of 50 |
| Frost-free season | 245 days | 11th of 50 |
| Freezing nights | 41 a year | 39th of 50 |
| Rainy days | 73 a year with 0.1 in or more | 25th of 50 |
| Days at 90°F or hotter | 70 a year | 9th of 50 |
Best time to stain a deck in Arkansas
In Little Rock, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. March, June–August and November can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 51°F. In March, nights average about 44°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–August is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. November is cool, with highs around 60°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Fort Smith, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. March, June and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 66°F, Jun 89°F, Nov 63°F). December–January is too cold, with average highs around 52°F. In February, nights average about 33°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. July–August is hot, with average highs near 94°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In March and November, nights average about 41°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to paint outside in Arkansas
In Little Rock, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. February–March, June–August and November–December can also work on the right days. January is too cold, with average highs around 49°F. February and December are cool, with highs around 52°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In March and November, nights average about 43°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–August is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Fort Smith, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. February–March, June and November can also work on the right days. In December–January, nights average about 31°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. July–August is hot, with average highs near 94°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. February is cool, with highs around 57°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In March and November, nights average about 41°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June is hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to pour concrete in Arkansas
In Little Rock, the most reliable months are April–October. March and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 63°F, Nov 60°F). December–February averages about 11 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. March and November bring about 3 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Fort Smith, the most reliable months are April–October. March and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 66°F, Nov 63°F). December–February averages about 17 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. March and November bring about 6 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Best time to seal a driveway in Arkansas
In Little Rock, the most reliable months are May–October. March–April and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 63°F, Apr 72°F, Nov 60°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 51°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 61°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In April, nights average about 52°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Fort Smith, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 75°F, Oct 76°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 54°F. In March and November, nights average about 41°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 50°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in Arkansas
In Little Rock, the most reliable months are March–May and September–November. February, June–August and December can also work on the right days. January is too cold, with average highs around 49°F. February and December are cool, with highs around 52°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. June–August is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Fort Smith, the most reliable months are March–May and October–November. June, September and December–February can also work on the right days. July–August is hot, with average highs near 94°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. December–February is cool, with highs around 54°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. June and September are hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
How the weather differs across Arkansas
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | 91°F | 32°F | 52 in | March 16 | November 16 |
| Fort Smith | 94°F | 30°F | 47 in | March 25 | November 6 |
Monthly weather in Little Rock
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49°F | 32°F | 6 | 3.5 in | 14 |
| February | 54°F | 36°F | 6 | 3.9 in | 9 |
| March | 63°F | 44°F | 8 | 5.1 in | 3 |
| April | 72°F | 52°F | 7 | 5.5 in | 0 |
| May | 79°F | 61°F | 8 | 5.4 in | 0 |
| June | 87°F | 69°F | 6 | 3.4 in | 0 |
| July | 91°F | 72°F | 6 | 3.9 in | 0 |
| August | 91°F | 71°F | 5 | 3.6 in | 0 |
| September | 84°F | 64°F | 4 | 3.0 in | 0 |
| October | 73°F | 53°F | 6 | 4.6 in | 0 |
| November | 60°F | 42°F | 6 | 4.7 in | 3 |
| December | 51°F | 35°F | 7 | 5.1 in | 11 |
*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.
Monthly weather in Fort Smith
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 51°F | 30°F | 5 | 2.9 in | 49% | 20 |
| February | 57°F | 33°F | 5 | 2.7 in | 45% | 13 |
| March | 66°F | 42°F | 6 | 3.9 in | 42% | 5 |
| April | 75°F | 50°F | 7 | 4.9 in | 44% | 1 |
| May | 81°F | 60°F | 7 | 5.6 in | 52% | 0 |
| June | 89°F | 68°F | 6 | 4.6 in | 51% | 0 |
| July | 94°F | 72°F | 5 | 3.4 in | 47% | 0 |
| August | 94°F | 71°F | 5 | 3.6 in | 46% | 0 |
| September | 87°F | 63°F | 5 | 4.0 in | 46% | 0 |
| October | 76°F | 51°F | 5 | 4.4 in | 44% | 0 |
| November | 63°F | 40°F | 5 | 3.9 in | 46% | 7 |
| December | 53°F | 32°F | 5 | 3.5 in | 50% | 16 |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 for LITTLE ROCK, FT SMITH RGNL AP. See how the ratings work and how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in Arkansas?
In Little Rock, April–May and September–October. In Fort Smith, April–May and September–October.
When is the last frost in Arkansas?
Little Rock: around March 16; Fort Smith: around March 25.
Can you pour concrete in winter in Arkansas?
Yes, with cold-weather practices: Little Rock averages about 34 freezing nights from December to February, so fresh concrete needs insulated blankets, a heated enclosure or an accelerated mix, and must not freeze in the first 48 hours. Many homeowners wait for spring.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in Arkansas?
In Little Rock, May–October. In Fort Smith, May–September.