Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for Sterling City, TX
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
219 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Sterling City, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 219-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 8 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 27 | Apr 10 | Mar 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 16 | Mar 31 | Mar 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 14 | Feb 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 25 | Mar 1 | Feb 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 27 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 |
| 32°F | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 8 |
| 28°F | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 |
| 24°F | Mar 25 | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 22 | Feb 18 | Feb 10 |
| 20°F | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 17 |
| 16°F | Mar 1 | Feb 18 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 18 | Jan 5 | Dec 23 |
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 13 | Oct 29 | Nov 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 15 | Dec 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 26 | Dec 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 13 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 |
| 32°F | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 |
| 28°F | Oct 31 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 14 |
| 20°F | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 4 |
| 16°F | Nov 30 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 3 | Jan 10 | Jan 19 | Feb 1 |
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: Sterling City, Tx, about 4.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,280 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 Sterling City, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Sterling City, TX is about Mar 31. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Sterling City, TX typically arrives about Nov 6. 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 31 on average, or Mar 8 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 219 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 76951 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026