Last spring frost
Mar 18
Frost Dates for Odessa, TX
First fall frost
Nov 14
Growing season
239 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Odessa, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 18 and the first fall frost is about Nov 14, giving roughly a 239-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 28 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 21 | Apr 3 | Mar 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 8 | Mar 18 | Feb 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 27 | Mar 4 | Feb 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 13 | Feb 20 | Jan 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 21 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 14 |
| 32°F | Apr 8 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 |
| 28°F | Mar 27 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 |
| 24°F | Mar 13 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 21 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 6 | Dec 23 |
| 16°F | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 26 | Jan 18 | Jan 10 | Jan 1 | Dec 24 | Dec 13 |
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 22 | Nov 5 | Nov 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 14 | Nov 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 24 | Dec 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 6 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 |
| 28°F | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 |
| 24°F | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 28 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 5 | Jan 14 | Jan 26 |
| 16°F | Dec 6 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | 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: Midland Odessa, Tx, about 5.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,868 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 Odessa, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Odessa, TX is about Mar 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Odessa, TX typically arrives about Nov 14. 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 18 on average, or Feb 28 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 79765 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026