Last spring frost
Feb 28
Frost Dates for El Paso, TX
First fall frost
Nov 20
Growing season
264 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around El Paso, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 28 and the first fall frost is about Nov 20, giving roughly a 264-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 7 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 8 | Mar 16 | Feb 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 28 | Feb 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 4 | Feb 10 | Jan 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 15 | Jan 23 | Dec 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 8 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 |
| 32°F | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 |
| 28°F | Mar 4 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 19 |
| 24°F | Feb 15 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Jan 2 | Dec 24 |
| 20°F | Feb 4 | Jan 29 | Jan 20 | Jan 13 | Jan 6 | Jan 2 | Dec 28 | Dec 20 | Dec 12 |
| 16°F | Feb 5 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 8 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 28 | Dec 21 | 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 28 | Nov 10 | Nov 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 20 | Dec 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 17 | Dec 1 | Dec 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 29 | Dec 16 | Jan 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 28 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 |
| 32°F | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 |
| 28°F | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 |
| 24°F | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 2 | Jan 11 |
| 20°F | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 15 | Jan 29 |
| 16°F | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 20 | Feb 3 |
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: La Tuna 1 S, Tx, about 4.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,870 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 El Paso, TX?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around El Paso, TX is about Feb 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around El Paso, TX typically arrives about Nov 20. 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 Feb 28 on average, or Feb 7 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 264 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 79911 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026