Last spring frost
Mar 20
Frost Dates for Big Spring, TX
First fall frost
Nov 13
Growing season
239 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Big Spring, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 20 and the first fall frost is about Nov 13, giving roughly a 239-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 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 24 | Apr 3 | Mar 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 20 | Mar 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 29 | Mar 6 | Feb 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 13 | Feb 23 | Jan 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 24 | Apr 18 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 15 |
| 32°F | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 |
| 28°F | Mar 29 | Mar 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 |
| 24°F | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 13 | Feb 4 | Jan 24 |
| 20°F | Mar 3 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 | Jan 12 | Dec 31 |
| 16°F | Feb 18 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 27 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Jan 5 | Dec 29 | Dec 17 |
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 23 | Nov 5 | Nov 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 13 | Nov 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 24 | Dec 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 8 | Jan 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 |
| 28°F | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 2 |
| 20°F | Nov 30 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 16 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Jan 29 | 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: Big Spring, Tx, about 4.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,510 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 Big Spring, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Big Spring, TX is about Mar 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Big Spring, TX typically arrives about Nov 13. 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 20 on average, or Mar 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 239 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 79721 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026