Frost Dates for Austin, TX
In Austin, TX, the average last spring frost is around Feb 20 and the average first fall frost around Dec 3, for a growing season of about 291 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 14, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Austin-Camp Mabry, TX weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 670 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Mar 14 | Nov 15 |
| 20% | Mar 7 | Nov 21 |
| 30% | Mar 2 | Nov 26 |
| 40% | Feb 26 | Nov 30 |
| 50% | Feb 20 | Dec 3 |
| 60% | Feb 15 | Dec 8 |
| 70% | Feb 9 | Dec 13 |
| 80% | Feb 1 | Dec 23 |
| 90% | Jan 23 | Jan 1 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Mar 6 | Nov 22 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 20 | Dec 3 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 1 | Dec 27 |
Planting calendar for Austin
Transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Sow or transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Sow or transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Sow or transplant Mar 6 – Mar 20
Sow or transplant Jan 23 – Feb 6
Fall sowing Oct 8 – Nov 5
Fall sowing Oct 8 – Oct 29
Fall sowing Sep 24 – Oct 8
Sow or transplant Jan 23 – Feb 6
Fall sowing Sep 24 – Oct 22
Transplant Feb 6 – Feb 20
Fall sowing Sep 10 – Sep 24
Transplant Jan 30 – Feb 13
Fall sowing Sep 10 – Sep 24
Fall sowing Sep 10 – Sep 24
Fall sowing Oct 22 – Nov 12
Fall sowing Sep 24 – Oct 8
Plant Jan 23 – Feb 6
Based on the average last frost (Feb 20) and first frost (Dec 3). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.