Penitas, 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 Penitas compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Penitas fall between December 28 and January 23. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 2, or the last frost as late as February 27.
- Penitas shares its weather station with Mission, TX, 11 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 22 |
| 50% (median) | January 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 2 |
| 50% (median) | December 28 |
| 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
Penitas, 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 La Joya, TX weather station, 13 km away (elevation 213 ft (65 m)).
Frost dates near Penitas
- La Joya Jan 23 · Dec 28
- Mission Jan 23 · Dec 28
- Sullivan City Jan 23 · Dec 28
- Los Ebanos Jan 23 · Dec 28
- Grulla Jan 31 · Dec 17
- Mcallen Jan 9 · Jan 1
- Garciasville Jan 31 · Dec 17
- Hidalgo Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Pharr Jan 9 · Jan 1
- Edinburg Jan 8 · Jan 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Penitas, TX?
The median last spring frost in Penitas, TX is January 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Penitas, TX?
The median first fall frost is December 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 2.
How long is the growing season in Penitas, TX?
About 339 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Penitas, TX?
Penitas, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.