Donna, TX frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 1 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Donna compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Donna fall between December 31 and January 8. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 3, or the last frost as late as February 18.
- Compared with Pharr, TX, 13 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 8 |
| 50% (median) | January 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 3 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 90% (late) | February 7 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Donna, TX only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Weslaco, TX weather station, 8 km away (elevation 75 ft (23 m)).
Frost dates near Donna
- Weslaco Jan 8 · Dec 31
- Alamo Jan 8 · Jan 2
- San Juan Jan 9 · Jan 1
- Progreso Jan 8 · Dec 31
- Pharr Jan 9 · Jan 1
- Mercedes Jan 8 · Dec 31
- La Blanca Jan 8 · Jan 2
- Elsa Jan 10 · Dec 27
- Mcallen Jan 9 · Jan 1
- La Villa Jan 10 · Dec 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Donna, TX?
The median last spring frost in Donna, TX is January 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Donna, TX?
The median first fall frost is December 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 3.
How long is the growing season in Donna, TX?
About 357 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Donna, TX?
Donna, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.