Last spring frost
Mar 11
Frost Dates for Sanderson, TX
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
243 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Sanderson, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 11 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 243-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 20 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 20 | Mar 31 | Mar 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 11 | Feb 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 19 | Feb 28 | Feb 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 9 | Feb 11 | Jan 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 20 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 |
| 32°F | Apr 6 | Mar 29 | Mar 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 |
| 28°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 13 | Feb 5 |
| 24°F | Mar 9 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 13 |
| 20°F | Feb 27 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Dec 20 |
| 16°F | Feb 13 | Jan 29 | Jan 21 | Jan 13 | Jan 7 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 23 | Dec 14 |
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 20 | Nov 3 | Nov 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 11 | Nov 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 23 | Dec 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 6 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 |
| 32°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 |
| 28°F | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 |
| 24°F | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 29 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 4 | Jan 13 | Jan 27 |
| 16°F | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 14 | Jan 22 | 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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Sanderson, Tx, about 1.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,788 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 Sanderson, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Sanderson, TX is about Mar 11. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Sanderson, TX typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 11 on average, or Feb 20 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 243 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 79848 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026