Last spring frost
Mar 29
Frost Dates for Fort Hancock, TX
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
221 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Fort Hancock, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 29 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 221-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 29 | Apr 13 | Mar 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 15 | Mar 29 | Mar 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 30 | Mar 11 | Feb 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 27 | Feb 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 |
| 32°F | Apr 15 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 28°F | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 |
| 24°F | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 17 | Feb 12 | Feb 7 |
| 20°F | Mar 5 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 15 | Feb 11 | Feb 6 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 19 |
| 16°F | Feb 16 | Feb 7 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Dec 20 |
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 17 | Oct 30 | Nov 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 6 | Nov 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 15 | Nov 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 25 | Dec 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 |
| 32°F | Oct 24 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 |
| 24°F | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 |
| 20°F | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 |
| 16°F | Nov 30 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 9 | Jan 26 |
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: Ft Hancock 8Sse, Tx, about 17.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,493 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 Fort Hancock, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fort Hancock, TX is about Mar 29. 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 Fort Hancock, TX typically arrives about Nov 6. 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 29 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 221 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 79839 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026