Last spring frost
Mar 20
Frost Dates for Big Lake, TX
First fall frost
Nov 14
Growing season
238 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Big Lake, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 20 and the first fall frost is about Nov 14, giving roughly a 238-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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 24 | Apr 5 | Mar 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 10 | Mar 20 | Feb 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 4 | Feb 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 12 | Feb 19 | Jan 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 24 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 24 | Mar 17 |
| 32°F | Apr 10 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 28°F | Mar 26 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 10 |
| 24°F | Mar 12 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 18 |
| 20°F | Mar 2 | Feb 22 | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 | Jan 14 | Jan 4 | Dec 20 |
| 16°F | Feb 23 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 23 | Jan 14 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 22 | Dec 9 |
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 4 | Nov 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 14 | Dec 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 25 | Dec 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 17 | Dec 8 | Jan 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 20 |
| 32°F | Oct 30 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 |
| 28°F | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 17 |
| 24°F | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 30 | Jan 9 |
| 20°F | Nov 26 | Dec 5 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 12 | Jan 23 | Feb 4 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 12 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 11 | Jan 22 | Feb 1 | Feb 12 |
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: Big Lake 2, Tx, about 21.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,734 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 Big Lake, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Big Lake, TX is about Mar 20. 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 Big Lake, TX typically arrives about Nov 14. 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 20 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 238 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 76930 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026