Last spring frost
Mar 7
Frost Dates for Shepherd, TX
First fall frost
Nov 20
Growing season
259 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Shepherd, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 7 and the first fall frost is about Nov 20, giving roughly a 259-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 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 13 | Mar 22 | Mar 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 29 | Mar 7 | Feb 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 17 | Jan 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 4 | Jan 28 | Dec 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 13 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 |
| 32°F | Mar 29 | Mar 23 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 8 |
| 28°F | Mar 15 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 15 |
| 24°F | Mar 4 | Feb 20 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 12 | Jan 3 | Dec 24 |
| 20°F | Feb 15 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 16 | Jan 10 | Jan 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 21 |
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 25 | Nov 9 | Nov 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 20 | Dec 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 11 | Dec 4 | Jan 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 29 | Dec 29 | Feb 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 25 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 |
| 32°F | Nov 2 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 |
| 28°F | Nov 11 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 18 | Dec 29 | Jan 8 |
| 24°F | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 8 | Jan 18 | Feb 3 |
| 20°F | Dec 13 | Dec 23 | Dec 31 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 16 | Jan 26 | 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: Cleveland, Tx, about 10.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 196 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 Shepherd, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Shepherd, TX is about Mar 7. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Shepherd, TX typically arrives about Nov 20. 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 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 259 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 77371 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026