Weather in Little Rock, Arkansas
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast20%84°71°
- SundayMay 17Overcast16%87°67°
- MondayMay 18Light Drizzle20%88°73°
- TuesdayMay 19Showers61%91°69°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers66%78°65°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Showers54%68°64°
- FridayMay 22Drizzle43%78°66°
- PM 2.5
- 6.4 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 7.9 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 3.3 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 82.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:17 AM
- Moonset
- 1:31 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Little Rock at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 6°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 15 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Little Rock's warmest temperatures (~81°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~41°F). April sees peak rainfall at 5.6 inches, while September records the lowest at 3.0 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| February | 45° | 4.0″ | 6 |
| March | 53° | 5.0″ | 8 |
| April | 61° | 5.6″ | 7 |
| May | 70° | 5.1″ | 7 |
| June | 78° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| July | 81° | 3.3″ | 6 |
| August | 81° | 3.2″ | 5 |
| September | 74° | 3.0″ | 4 |
| October | 63° | 4.5″ | 6 |
| November | 51° | 4.7″ | 6 |
| December | 43° | 5.1″ | 6 |
Regional context
Little Rock falls within a humid subtropical climate region. This places the city among a group of locations that share similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Fayetteville, AR, Fort Smith, AR, Springdale, AR, Jonesboro, AR, Conway, AR.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the peak blooming period for southern magnolia trees across Little Rock.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically return to Arkansas gardens during the second week of April.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Little Rock?
- Little Rock's last spring frost typically falls around mid-March, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Little Rock?
- April receives the most rainfall with about 5.6 inches on average; the city gets roughly 50 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Little Rock?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 81°F.
- What is the coldest month in Little Rock?
- January typically brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 41°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Little Rock?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-March); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Little Rock get?
- Little Rock averages about 71 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Little Rock?
- Little Rock's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Little Rock, Arkansas experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 41°F while July averages 81°F — creating a 41°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Little Rock receives about 50 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 71 rainy days.
Several factors determine the annual weather pattern: latitude (34.7°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements influence what grows here, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.