Last spring frost
Feb 16
Frost Dates for Hilltop, TX
First fall frost
Dec 6
Growing season
296 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Hilltop, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 16 and the first fall frost is about Dec 6, giving roughly a 296-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 14 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 22 | Mar 2 | Feb 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 12 | Feb 16 | Jan 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 1 | Jan 26 | Dec 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 16 | Jan 6 | Dec 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 | Feb 6 |
| 32°F | Mar 12 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 26 | Jan 14 |
| 28°F | Mar 1 | Feb 19 | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 26 | Jan 16 | Jan 7 | Dec 30 | Dec 19 |
| 24°F | Feb 16 | Feb 7 | Jan 25 | Jan 16 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 28 | Dec 19 | Dec 12 |
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 5 | Nov 23 | Dec 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 6 | Jan 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 1 | Dec 23 | Feb 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 9 | Jan 1 | Feb 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 |
| 32°F | Nov 16 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 | Jan 3 |
| 28°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 4 | Jan 17 | Feb 4 |
| 24°F | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 3 | Jan 13 | Jan 24 | Feb 7 |
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: Dilley, Tx, about 4.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 550 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 Hilltop, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Hilltop, TX is about Feb 16. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Hilltop, TX typically arrives about Dec 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 Feb 16 on average, or Jan 14 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 296 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 78017 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026