Last spring frost
Mar 8
Frost Dates for Italy, TX
First fall frost
Nov 21
Growing season
256 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Italy, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 8 and the first fall frost is about Nov 21, giving roughly a 256-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 16 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 10 | Mar 23 | Mar 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 1 | Mar 8 | Feb 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 18 | Feb 24 | Jan 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 6 | Feb 4 | Jan 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 10 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 |
| 32°F | Apr 1 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 16 |
| 28°F | Mar 18 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 16 | Jan 3 |
| 20°F | Feb 26 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 22 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 3 | Dec 23 |
| 16°F | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 26 | Jan 20 | Jan 14 | Jan 9 | Jan 4 | Dec 30 | Dec 19 |
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 26 | Nov 9 | Nov 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 21 | Dec 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 12 | Dec 3 | Dec 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 26 | Dec 22 | Jan 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 28 |
| 32°F | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 |
| 28°F | Nov 12 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 30 |
| 24°F | Nov 26 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 12 | Jan 26 |
| 20°F | Dec 8 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 16 | Jan 25 | Feb 7 |
| 16°F | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Feb 1 | Feb 9 |
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: Bardwell Dam, Tx, about 14.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 461 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 Italy, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Italy, TX is about Mar 8. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 16.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Italy, TX typically arrives about Nov 21. 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 8 on average, or Feb 16 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 256 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 76651 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026