Weather in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 17Light Drizzle12%83°68°
- MondayMay 18Overcast13%86°72°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Showers67%75°60°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Drizzle74%70°58°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle36%71°60°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle36%74°62°
- SaturdayMay 23Light Drizzle36%82°59°
- PM 2.5
- 6.8 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 8.7 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 1.2 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 96.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:21 AM
- Moonset
- 1:43 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Fayetteville at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 5°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 23 (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
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Fayetteville's peak heat with mean temperatures around 79°F, while January delivers the year's coldest conditions at roughly 37°F. May sees the heaviest rainfall at 6.0 inches, contrasting with February's drier 2.3 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37° | 2.6″ | 3 |
| February | 41° | 2.3″ | 4 |
| March | 49° | 3.7″ | 5 |
| April | 58° | 4.5″ | 6 |
| May | 66° | 6.0″ | 8 |
| June | 75° | 4.7″ | 6 |
| July | 79° | 3.6″ | 5 |
| August | 78° | 3.4″ | 5 |
| September | 71° | 4.5″ | 5 |
| October | 59° | 4.0″ | 5 |
| November | 48° | 4.0″ | 5 |
| December | 40° | 2.9″ | 4 |
Regional context
As part of the humid subtropical climate region, Fayetteville shares temperature ranges, seasonal cycles, and growing conditions with other cities in this climatic zone.
Similar climates: Little Rock, AR, Fort Smith, AR, Springdale, AR, Jonesboro, AR, Conway, AR.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the peak flowering of native dogwoods throughout the Ozark foothills.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically arrive in Fayetteville during the first week of April.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Fayetteville?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-April in Fayetteville, while the season's first frost returns around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Fayetteville?
- May typically brings the most rainfall with about 6.0 inches on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 46 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Fayetteville?
- July records the highest temperatures, with averages around 79°F.
- What is the coldest month in Fayetteville?
- January brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 37°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Fayetteville?
- Plant cool-season crops like peas and lettuce around the last spring frost in mid-April, but wait 1–2 weeks later for warm-season varieties like tomatoes and peppers.
- How many rainy days does Fayetteville get?
- Fayetteville experiences about 62 rainy days annually.
- What hardiness zone is Fayetteville?
- Check the USDA's online zone finder using Fayetteville's ZIP code to determine the current hardiness zone, which reflects the area's average minimum winter temperatures.
Climate
Fayetteville, Arkansas experiences a humid subtropical climate. Winter temperatures in January hover near 37°F, while summer brings July averages of 79°F, creating a 42°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 46 inches, distributed across roughly 62 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here reflect the city's position at 36.1°N latitude, along with influences from nearby water bodies and local elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.