Last spring frost
Mar 12
Frost Dates for Austin, TX
First fall frost
Nov 16
Growing season
252 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Austin, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 12 and the first fall frost is about Nov 16, giving roughly a 252-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 20 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 16 | Mar 27 | Mar 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 12 | Feb 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 19 | Feb 27 | Jan 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 8 | Feb 5 | Jan 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 16 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 4 |
| 32°F | Apr 2 | Mar 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 |
| 28°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 6 | Jan 28 |
| 24°F | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 14 | Jan 3 |
| 20°F | Feb 23 | Feb 10 | Feb 1 | Jan 26 | Jan 20 | Jan 12 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 24 |
| 16°F | Feb 10 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 10 | Jan 8 | Jan 4 | Jan 2 | Dec 28 |
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 7 | Nov 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 1 | Dec 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 23 | Dec 17 | Jan 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 25 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 |
| 28°F | Nov 10 | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 25 |
| 24°F | Nov 23 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 5 | Jan 15 |
| 20°F | Dec 7 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 19 | Feb 2 |
| 16°F | Dec 22 | Jan 1 | Jan 2 | Jan 4 | Jan 8 | Jan 11 | Jan 17 | Jan 23 | Feb 4 |
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: Austin Bergstrom Ap, Tx, about 3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 480 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 Austin, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Austin, TX is about Mar 12. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Austin, TX typically arrives about Nov 16. 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 12 on average, or Feb 20 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 252 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 78719 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026