Frost Dates for El Paso, TX

In El Paso, TX, the average last spring frost is around Mar 2 and the average first fall frost around Nov 20, for a growing season of about 261 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 19, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMar 250% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMar 19only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 2050% chance of frost before this date
Growing season261 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the El Paso Intl. Airport, TX weather station, 4 miles away, elevation 3,918 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.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%Mar 19Nov 6
20%Mar 13Nov 10
30%Mar 9Nov 14
40%Mar 6Nov 17
50%Mar 2Nov 20
60%Feb 27Nov 22
70%Feb 24Nov 25
80%Feb 19Nov 29
90%Feb 12Dec 2

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.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Mar 18Nov 10
Frost / freeze (32°F)Mar 2Nov 20
Hard freeze (28°F)Feb 16Dec 1

Planting calendar for El Paso

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Jan 5 – Jan 19
Transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Peppers
Indoors Dec 22 – Jan 5
Transplant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Eggplant
Indoors Dec 22 – Jan 5
Transplant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Basil
Indoors Jan 19 – Feb 2
Transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Cucumbers
Indoors Feb 2 – Feb 9
Sow or transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Feb 2 – Feb 9
Sow or transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Mar 9 – Mar 23
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Feb 2 – Feb 9
Sow or transplant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Green beans
Sow Mar 9 – Mar 23
Sweet corn
Sow Mar 9 – Mar 23
Lettuce
Indoors Jan 19 – Feb 2
Sow or transplant Feb 2 – Feb 16
Fall sowing Sep 25 – Oct 23
Spinach
Sow Jan 19 – Feb 9
Fall sowing Sep 25 – Oct 16
Peas
Sow Jan 19 – Feb 2
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Sep 25
Kale
Indoors Jan 5 – Jan 19
Sow or transplant Feb 2 – Feb 16
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Oct 9
Broccoli
Indoors Jan 5 – Jan 19
Transplant Feb 16 – Mar 2
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 11
Cabbage
Indoors Jan 5 – Jan 19
Transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 11
Carrots
Sow Feb 9 – Mar 2
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 11
Radishes
Sow Jan 26 – Feb 16
Fall sowing Oct 9 – Oct 30
Beets
Sow Feb 9 – Mar 2
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Sep 25
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Dec 8 – Dec 22
Plant Feb 2 – Feb 16
Potatoes
Plant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Garlic
Plant Nov 20 – Dec 18

Based on the average last frost (Mar 2) and first frost (Nov 20). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

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