Frost Dates for Port Arthur, TX

In Port Arthur, TX, the average last spring frost is around Feb 14 and the average first fall frost around Dec 7, for a growing season of about 301 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 13, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostFeb 1450% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMar 13only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostDec 750% chance of frost before this date
Growing season301 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Port Arthur Se Tx Airport, TX weather station, 8 miles away, elevation 16 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 13Nov 15
20%Mar 4Nov 23
30%Feb 27Nov 29
40%Feb 21Dec 2
50%Feb 14Dec 7
60%Feb 7Dec 13
70%Feb 1Dec 22
80%Jan 27Jan 1
90%Jan 17Jan 9

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 4Nov 23
Frost / freeze (32°F)Feb 14Dec 7
Hard freeze (28°F)Jan 28Jan 1

Planting calendar for Port Arthur

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Dec 20 – Jan 3
Transplant Feb 21 – Mar 7
Peppers
Indoors Dec 6 – Dec 20
Transplant Feb 28 – Mar 14
Eggplant
Indoors Dec 6 – Dec 20
Transplant Feb 28 – Mar 14
Basil
Indoors Jan 3 – Jan 17
Transplant Feb 21 – Mar 7
Cucumbers
Indoors Jan 17 – Jan 24
Sow or transplant Feb 21 – Mar 7
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Jan 17 – Jan 24
Sow or transplant Feb 21 – Mar 7
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Feb 21 – Mar 7
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Jan 17 – Jan 24
Sow or transplant Feb 28 – Mar 14
Green beans
Sow Feb 21 – Mar 7
Sweet corn
Sow Feb 21 – Mar 7
Lettuce
Indoors Jan 3 – Jan 17
Sow or transplant Jan 17 – Jan 31
Fall sowing Oct 12 – Nov 9
Spinach
Sow Jan 3 – Jan 24
Fall sowing Oct 12 – Nov 2
Peas
Sow Jan 3 – Jan 17
Fall sowing Sep 28 – Oct 12
Kale
Indoors Dec 20 – Jan 3
Sow or transplant Jan 17 – Jan 31
Fall sowing Sep 28 – Oct 26
Broccoli
Indoors Dec 20 – Jan 3
Transplant Jan 31 – Feb 14
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Sep 28
Cabbage
Indoors Dec 20 – Jan 3
Transplant Jan 24 – Feb 7
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Sep 28
Carrots
Sow Jan 24 – Feb 14
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Sep 28
Radishes
Sow Jan 10 – Jan 31
Fall sowing Oct 26 – Nov 16
Beets
Sow Jan 24 – Feb 14
Fall sowing Sep 28 – Oct 12
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Nov 22 – Dec 6
Plant Jan 17 – Jan 31
Potatoes
Plant Jan 24 – Feb 7
Garlic
Plant Dec 7 – Jan 4

Based on the average last frost (Feb 14) and first frost (Dec 7). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

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