Last spring frost
Apr 1
Frost Dates for Abilene, TX
First fall frost
Nov 5
Growing season
218 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Abilene, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 1 and the first fall frost is about Nov 5, giving roughly a 218-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 10 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 28 | Apr 12 | Mar 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 | Apr 1 | Mar 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 15 | Feb 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 24 | Mar 4 | Feb 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 28 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 |
| 32°F | Apr 19 | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 10 |
| 28°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 |
| 24°F | Mar 24 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 10 |
| 20°F | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 28 | Jan 17 |
| 16°F | Mar 1 | Feb 20 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 15 | Jan 4 | Dec 24 |
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 13 | Oct 29 | Nov 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 5 | Nov 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 11 | Nov 28 | Dec 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 |
| 32°F | Oct 21 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 |
| 24°F | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 |
| 20°F | Nov 21 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 31 | Jan 8 |
| 16°F | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 3 | Jan 10 | Jan 19 | 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: Abilene 6Ese, Tx, about 9.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,802 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 Abilene, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Abilene, TX is about Apr 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 10.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Abilene, TX typically arrives about Nov 5. 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 Apr 1 on average, or Mar 10 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 218 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 79601 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026