Last spring frost
Mar 21
Frost Dates for Van Horn, TX
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
234 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Van Horn, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 21 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 234-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 2 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 6 | Mar 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 21 | Mar 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 4 | Feb 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 9 | Feb 17 | Jan 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 24 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 18 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 |
| 28°F | Mar 23 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 |
| 24°F | Mar 9 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 13 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 25 |
| 20°F | Feb 25 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 15 | Jan 6 | Dec 26 |
| 16°F | Feb 14 | Feb 4 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 12 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 | 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 18 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 11 | Nov 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 21 | Dec 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 2 | Dec 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 |
| 32°F | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 |
| 24°F | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 |
| 20°F | Nov 26 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 3 | Jan 13 |
| 16°F | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 11 | Jan 24 | Feb 2 |
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: Van Horn, Tx, about 7.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,065 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 Van Horn, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Van Horn, TX is about Mar 21. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Van Horn, 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 21 on average, or Mar 2 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 234 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 79855 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026