Last spring frost
Feb 28
Frost Dates for Staples, TX
First fall frost
Nov 29
Growing season
273 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Staples, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 28 and the first fall frost is about Nov 29, giving roughly a 273-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 1 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 5 | Mar 14 | Feb 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 21 | Feb 28 | Feb 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 8 | Feb 13 | Jan 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 28 | Jan 29 | Dec 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 |
| 32°F | Mar 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 1 |
| 28°F | Mar 8 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 9 |
| 24°F | Feb 28 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 5 | Dec 26 |
| 20°F | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 19 | Jan 10 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 25 |
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 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 29 | Dec 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 15 | Jan 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 5 | Jan 2 | Feb 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 |
| 32°F | Nov 8 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 21 |
| 28°F | Nov 19 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 3 | Jan 13 |
| 24°F | Dec 5 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 | Jan 23 | Feb 5 |
| 20°F | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 14 | Jan 22 | Feb 1 | Feb 10 |
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 Marcos, Tx, about 10.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 665 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 Staples, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Staples, TX is about Feb 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Staples, TX typically arrives about Nov 29. 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 28 on average, or Feb 1 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 273 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 78670 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026