Last spring frost
Mar 23
Frost Dates for Rule, TX
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
234 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Rule, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 23 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 234-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 2 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 24 | Apr 4 | Mar 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 23 | Mar 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 31 | Mar 8 | Feb 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 25 | Jan 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 24 | Apr 18 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 15 |
| 32°F | Apr 12 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 |
| 28°F | Mar 31 | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Jan 31 |
| 20°F | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 22 | Jan 9 |
| 16°F | Feb 25 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 21 | Jan 12 | Jan 5 | 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) | Oct 19 | Nov 2 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 11 | Nov 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 20 | Dec 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 4 | Dec 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 19 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Oct 28 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 |
| 24°F | Nov 13 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 |
| 20°F | Nov 28 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 25 |
| 16°F | Dec 10 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 14 | Jan 28 | Feb 6 |
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: Stamford 1, Tx, about 11 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,612 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 Rule, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Rule, TX is about Mar 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Rule, TX typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 23 on average, or Mar 2 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 234 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 79548 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026