Last spring frost
Mar 2
Frost Dates for El Paso, TX
First fall frost
Nov 20
Growing season
261 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around El Paso, TX, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 2 and the first fall frost is about Nov 20, giving roughly a 261-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 12 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 5 | Mar 18 | Feb 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 19 | Mar 2 | Feb 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 7 | Feb 16 | Jan 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 24 | Jan 29 | Dec 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 32°F | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 |
| 28°F | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 11 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 25 |
| 24°F | Feb 24 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 23 | Jan 16 | Jan 7 | Dec 25 |
| 20°F | Feb 13 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 19 | Jan 11 | Jan 5 | Dec 30 | Dec 21 | Dec 12 |
| 16°F | Feb 6 | Feb 2 | Jan 23 | Jan 14 | Jan 5 | Jan 1 | Dec 25 | Dec 20 | Dec 15 |
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 6 | Nov 20 | Dec 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 1 | Dec 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 26 | Dec 14 | Jan 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 |
| 32°F | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 |
| 28°F | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 |
| 24°F | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 12 |
| 20°F | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 8 | Jan 18 | Feb 2 |
| 16°F | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 2 | Jan 8 | Jan 17 | Feb 1 | 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: El Paso Intl Ap, Tx, about 9.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,918 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 Mar 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 12.
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 Mar 2 on average, or Feb 12 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 261 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 79912 Planting calendar → Texas frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026