Last spring frost
Feb 20
Frost Dates for Austin, TX
First fall frost
Dec 3
Growing season
291 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Austin, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 20 and the first fall frost is about Dec 3, giving roughly a 291-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 23 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 6 | Feb 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 14 | Feb 20 | Jan 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 3 | Feb 1 | Dec 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 18 | Jan 20 | Dec 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 27 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 |
| 32°F | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 1 | Jan 23 |
| 28°F | Mar 3 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 20 | Jan 11 | Dec 29 |
| 24°F | Feb 18 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 27 | Jan 20 | Jan 15 | Jan 8 | Jan 2 | Dec 24 |
| 20°F | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Feb 1 | Jan 22 | Jan 19 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Jan 5 | Jan 4 |
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 22 | Dec 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 3 | Jan 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 27 | Dec 27 | Feb 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 12 | Jan 7 | Feb 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 |
| 32°F | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 27 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 15 | Feb 1 |
| 24°F | Dec 12 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 7 | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Feb 1 | Feb 10 |
| 20°F | Jan 2 | Jan 4 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 20 | Feb 1 | Feb 2 | Feb 8 |
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-Camp Mabry, Tx, about 7.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 670 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 Feb 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Austin, TX typically arrives about Dec 3. 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 20 on average, or Jan 23 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 291 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 78733 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026