Last spring frost
Mar 7
Frost Dates for Rusk, TX
First fall frost
Nov 25
Growing season
263 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Rusk, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 7 and the first fall frost is about Nov 25, giving roughly a 263-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 15 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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 23 | Feb 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 29 | Mar 7 | Feb 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 23 | Jan 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 6 | Feb 6 | Jan 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 12 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Feb 28 |
| 32°F | Mar 29 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 |
| 28°F | Mar 15 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 25 |
| 24°F | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 16 | Jan 5 |
| 20°F | Feb 27 | Feb 14 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 18 | Jan 13 | Jan 6 | Dec 30 |
| 16°F | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 7 | Jan 5 | Dec 30 |
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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 13 | Dec 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 25 | Dec 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 7 | Jan 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 29 | Dec 31 | Jan 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 |
| 32°F | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 |
| 28°F | Nov 13 | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Jan 4 |
| 24°F | Nov 29 | Dec 6 | Dec 15 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 15 | Jan 27 |
| 20°F | Dec 12 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 19 | Jan 26 | Feb 6 |
| 16°F | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 7 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 21 | Jan 29 | Feb 5 |
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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Rusk, Tx, about 4.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 695 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
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 Rusk, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Rusk, TX is about Mar 7. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Rusk, TX typically arrives about Nov 25. 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 7 on average, or Feb 15 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 263 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 75785 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026