Last spring frost
Feb 14
Frost Dates for Port Arthur, TX
First fall frost
Dec 7
Growing season
301 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Port Arthur, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 14 and the first fall frost is about Dec 7, giving roughly a 301-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 17 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) | Mar 27 | Mar 4 | Feb 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 13 | Feb 14 | Jan 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 3 | Jan 28 | Dec 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 24 | Jan 16 | Dec 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 27 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 5 |
| 32°F | Mar 13 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 17 |
| 28°F | Mar 3 | Feb 20 | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 14 | Jan 7 | Dec 23 |
| 24°F | Feb 24 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 24 | Jan 16 | Jan 10 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | 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) | Nov 3 | Nov 23 | Dec 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 7 | Jan 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 1 | Jan 1 | Feb 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 12 | Jan 7 | Feb 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 3 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 12 |
| 32°F | Nov 15 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Jan 1 | Jan 9 |
| 28°F | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 16 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 19 | Feb 3 |
| 24°F | Dec 12 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 7 | Jan 11 | Jan 18 | Jan 29 | Feb 11 |
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: Port Arthur Se Tx Ap, Tx, about 17.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 16 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 Port Arthur, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Port Arthur, TX is about Feb 14. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 17.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Port Arthur, TX typically arrives about Dec 7. 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 Feb 14 on average, or Jan 17 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 301 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 77655 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026