Harlingen, 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 Harlingen compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Harlingen fall between January 3 and January 9. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 9, or the last frost as late as February 4.
- Compared with Brownsville, TX, 36 km away, the last frost here is the same as there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 15 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 9 |
| 50% (median) | January 3 |
| 90% (late) | January 29 |
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
Harlingen, 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 Harlingen, TX weather station, 4 km away (elevation 39 ft (12 m)).
ZIP codes in Harlingen: 78550 78551 78552 78553
Frost dates near Harlingen
- Combes Jan 9 · Jan 3
- San Benito Jan 9 · Jan 3
- La Feria Jan 10 · Dec 27
- Santa Rosa Jan 10 · Dec 27
- Rio Hondo Jan 8 · Dec 29
- Lozano Jan 8 · Dec 29
- Los Indios Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Sebastian Jan 10 · Dec 27
- Santa Maria Jan 8 · Dec 31
- Mercedes Jan 8 · Dec 31
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Harlingen, TX?
The median last spring frost in Harlingen, TX is January 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Harlingen, TX?
The median first fall frost is January 3, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 9.
How long is the growing season in Harlingen, TX?
About 359 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Harlingen, TX?
Harlingen, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.