Elsa, TX frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Elsa compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Elsa fall between December 27 and January 10. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 3, or the last frost as late as February 24.
- Compared with Edinburg, TX, 21 km away, the last frost here is 2 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 3 |
| 50% (median) | December 27 |
| 90% (late) | February 1 |
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
Elsa, 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 Santa Rosa 3 Wnw, TX weather station, 12 km away (elevation 49 ft (15 m)).
Frost dates near Elsa
- Edcouch Jan 10 · Dec 27
- La Blanca Jan 8 · Jan 2
- La Villa Jan 10 · Dec 27
- Weslaco Jan 8 · Dec 31
- Donna Jan 8 · Dec 31
- Santa Rosa Jan 10 · Dec 27
- Alamo Jan 8 · Jan 2
- Mercedes Jan 8 · Dec 31
- Sebastian Jan 10 · Dec 27
- San Juan Jan 9 · Jan 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Elsa, TX?
The median last spring frost in Elsa, TX is January 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 24, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Elsa, TX?
The median first fall frost is December 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 3.
How long is the growing season in Elsa, TX?
About 351 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Elsa, TX?
Elsa, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.