Last spring frost
Feb 22
Frost Dates for Lackland AFB, TX
First fall frost
Dec 2
Growing season
284 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Lackland AFB, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 22 and the first fall frost is about Dec 2, giving roughly a 284-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 16 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 5 | Feb 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 12 | Feb 22 | Jan 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 3 | Feb 1 | Dec 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 21 | Jan 7 | Dec 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 27 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 13 |
| 32°F | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 | Jan 30 | Jan 16 |
| 28°F | Mar 3 | Feb 24 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 23 | Jan 12 | Dec 31 | Dec 23 |
| 24°F | Feb 21 | Feb 11 | Jan 31 | Jan 16 | Jan 7 | Jan 1 | Dec 28 | Dec 21 | Dec 11 |
| 20°F | Feb 9 | Feb 1 | Jan 16 | Jan 2 | Dec 31 | Dec 29 | Dec 23 | Dec 20 | Dec 13 |
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 22 | Dec 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 2 | Dec 25 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 25 | Dec 16 | Feb 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 5 | Dec 27 | Feb 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 3 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 |
| 32°F | Nov 13 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 25 |
| 28°F | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 5 | Feb 1 |
| 24°F | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 23 | Feb 10 |
| 20°F | Dec 9 | Dec 17 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 29 | Dec 31 | Jan 7 | Feb 1 | 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: San Antonio Kelly Afb, Tx, about 1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 682 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 Lackland AFB, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lackland AFB, TX is about Feb 22. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 16.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Lackland AFB, TX typically arrives about Dec 2. 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 22 on average, or Jan 16 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 284 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 78243 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026