Harman US

Frost Dates for McKinney, TX

Last spring frost
Mar 18
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
239 days
Hardiness zone
8b

In an average year around McKinney, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 18 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 239-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 28 before setting out tender plants.

Last spring frost

Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.

Last spring frost - McKinney, TX
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 22 Apr 3 Mar 14
Freeze (32°F) Apr 7 Mar 18 Feb 28
Hard (28°F) Mar 22 Mar 4 Feb 9
Severe (24°F) Mar 10 Feb 17 Jan 19
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 22 Apr 16 Apr 11 Apr 6 Apr 3 Mar 31 Mar 27 Mar 21 Mar 14
32°F Apr 7 Apr 2 Mar 27 Mar 22 Mar 18 Mar 13 Mar 10 Mar 6 Feb 28
28°F Mar 22 Mar 16 Mar 11 Mar 8 Mar 4 Feb 28 Feb 24 Feb 19 Feb 9
24°F Mar 10 Mar 5 Feb 28 Feb 23 Feb 17 Feb 10 Feb 3 Jan 29 Jan 19
20°F Mar 1 Feb 19 Feb 10 Feb 3 Jan 29 Jan 23 Jan 17 Jan 7 Dec 30
16°F Feb 14 Feb 5 Jan 29 Jan 22 Jan 17 Jan 12 Jan 4 Dec 30 Dec 21

First fall frost

Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.

First fall frost - McKinney, TX
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Oct 19 Nov 1 Nov 18
Freeze (32°F) Oct 27 Nov 11 Dec 1
Hard (28°F) Nov 6 Nov 24 Dec 14
Severe (24°F) Nov 17 Dec 8 Jan 4
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Oct 19 Oct 23 Oct 27 Oct 30 Nov 1 Nov 4 Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 18
32°F Oct 27 Nov 1 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 11 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 24 Dec 1
28°F Nov 6 Nov 11 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 7 Dec 14
24°F Nov 17 Nov 24 Nov 29 Dec 3 Dec 8 Dec 14 Dec 20 Dec 28 Jan 4
20°F Nov 30 Dec 6 Dec 13 Dec 20 Dec 26 Jan 1 Jan 4 Jan 13 Jan 25
16°F Dec 11 Dec 19 Dec 25 Dec 31 Jan 4 Jan 9 Jan 16 Jan 22 Feb 3

Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.

Where this data comes from

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Mckinney Muni Ap, Tx, about 1.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 580 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

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How we calculate these dates

Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in McKinney, TX?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around McKinney, TX is about Mar 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 28.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around McKinney, TX typically arrives about Nov 11. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.

When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?

Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Mar 18 on average, or Feb 28 to be safe most years.

How long is the growing season here?

The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 239 days in a typical year.

Are these dates a forecast for this year?

No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.

Local weather for 75069 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026