Pharr, 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 Pharr compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Pharr fall between January 1 and January 9. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 8, or the last frost as late as February 12.
- Pharr shares its weather station with Mcallen, TX, 7 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 12 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 8 |
| 50% (median) | January 1 |
| 90% (late) | February 4 |
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
Pharr, 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 Mcallen, TX weather station, 7 km away (elevation 102 ft (31 m)).
Frost dates near Pharr
- San Juan Jan 9 · Jan 1
- Mcallen Jan 9 · Jan 1
- Alamo Jan 8 · Jan 2
- Hidalgo Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Donna Jan 8 · Dec 31
- Mission Jan 23 · Dec 28
- La Blanca Jan 8 · Jan 2
- Weslaco Jan 8 · Dec 31
- Edinburg Jan 8 · Jan 2
- Elsa Jan 10 · Dec 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pharr, TX?
The median last spring frost in Pharr, TX is January 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 12, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Pharr, TX?
The median first fall frost is January 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 8.
How long is the growing season in Pharr, TX?
About 357 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pharr, TX?
Pharr, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.