In Texas, the last spring frost usually comes between February 18 and April 7, and the first fall frost between October 31 and December 4, depending on where you live. Most of Texas is in USDA hardiness zones 7b to 9b.
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 Texas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 9b | Feb. 18 | March 5 | Dec. 8 |
| San Antonio | 9a | March 5 | March 19 | Nov. 18 |
| Dallas | 8b | March 9 | March 19 | Nov. 20 |
| Austin | 9a | March 18 | March 31 | Nov. 10 |
| Fort Worth | 8b | March 12 | March 25 | Nov. 14 |
| El Paso | 8b | March 9 | March 19 | Nov. 14 |
| Corpus Christi | 10a | Feb. 12 | March 2 | Dec. 10 |
| Laredo | 9b | Feb. 4 | Feb. 26 | Dec. 15 |
| Lubbock | 7b | April 2 | April 15 | Nov. 5 |
| Amarillo | 7a | April 22 | April 29 | Oct. 24 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Texas. Among the cities above, Laredo has the earliest last frost (around February 4) and Amarillo the latest (around April 22), about 11 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 Texas
Most of Texas is in USDA hardiness zones 7b to 9b. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 265 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Texas:
- Zone 7 (about 8% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 8 (about 50% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 9 (about 38% 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 Texas?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Texas, the last spring frost comes between February 18 and April 7. In Houston, it is around February 18.
When is the first frost in Texas?
Across most of Texas, the first fall frost comes between October 31 and December 4. In Houston, it is around December 8.
What planting zone is Texas?
Most of Texas is in USDA hardiness zones 7b to 9b. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Texas?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Houston, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around March 5. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 9.
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.