Harman US

Frost Dates for Odessa, TX

Last spring frost
Mar 15
First fall frost
Nov 12
Growing season
242 days
Hardiness zone
8b

In an average year around Odessa, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 15 and the first fall frost is about Nov 12, giving roughly a 242-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 26 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.

Last spring frost - Odessa, TX
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 15 Mar 30 Mar 10
Freeze (32°F) Apr 2 Mar 15 Feb 26
Hard (28°F) Mar 22 Mar 3 Feb 12
Severe (24°F) Mar 8 Feb 16 Jan 19
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 15 Apr 9 Apr 5 Apr 2 Mar 30 Mar 26 Mar 21 Mar 16 Mar 10
32°F Apr 2 Mar 27 Mar 22 Mar 18 Mar 15 Mar 11 Mar 7 Mar 3 Feb 26
28°F Mar 22 Mar 15 Mar 10 Mar 6 Mar 3 Feb 28 Feb 24 Feb 20 Feb 12
24°F Mar 8 Mar 2 Feb 25 Feb 21 Feb 16 Feb 12 Feb 7 Jan 31 Jan 19
20°F Feb 26 Feb 17 Feb 10 Feb 5 Jan 31 Jan 24 Jan 15 Jan 6 Dec 25
16°F Feb 14 Feb 4 Jan 29 Jan 21 Jan 13 Jan 6 Dec 31 Dec 22 Dec 12

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.

First fall frost - Odessa, TX
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Oct 21 Nov 4 Nov 17
Freeze (32°F) Oct 28 Nov 12 Nov 29
Hard (28°F) Nov 7 Nov 24 Dec 9
Severe (24°F) Nov 14 Dec 5 Dec 28
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Oct 21 Oct 26 Oct 30 Nov 2 Nov 4 Nov 7 Nov 9 Nov 13 Nov 17
32°F Oct 28 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 15 Nov 19 Nov 24 Nov 29
28°F Nov 7 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 9
24°F Nov 14 Nov 23 Nov 28 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 14 Dec 19 Dec 28
20°F Nov 28 Dec 5 Dec 11 Dec 16 Dec 23 Dec 29 Jan 4 Jan 14 Jan 28
16°F Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 20 Dec 27 Jan 1 Jan 6 Jan 14 Jan 25 Feb 5

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

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Crane 10N, Tx, about 3.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,927 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
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 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 26.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Odessa, TX typically arrives about Nov 12. 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 15 on average, or Feb 26 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 242 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 79766 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026