Last spring frost
Mar 19
Frost Dates for Gatesville, TX
First fall frost
Nov 9
Growing season
236 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Gatesville, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 19 and the first fall frost is about Nov 9, giving roughly a 236-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 26 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 22 | Apr 2 | Mar 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 19 | Feb 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 27 | Mar 5 | Feb 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 13 | Feb 20 | Jan 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 22 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
| 32°F | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 |
| 28°F | Mar 27 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 12 |
| 24°F | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 28 | Jan 15 |
| 20°F | Mar 2 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 6 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 14 | Jan 2 | Dec 24 |
| 16°F | Feb 19 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 8 | Jan 2 | Dec 27 | Dec 17 |
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 19 | Nov 1 | Nov 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 9 | Nov 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 20 | Dec 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 2 | Jan 2 |
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 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 17 |
| 32°F | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 30 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Jan 2 |
| 20°F | Nov 21 | Nov 30 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 2 | Jan 9 | Jan 24 |
| 16°F | Dec 5 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 | Jan 23 | 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: Gatesville, Tx, about 4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 826 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 Gatesville, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gatesville, TX is about Mar 19. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gatesville, TX typically arrives about Nov 9. 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 19 on average, or Feb 26 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 236 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 76599 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026