Port Mansfield, 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 Port Mansfield compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Port Mansfield fall between January 1 and January 12. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 5, or the last frost as late as February 19.
- Compared with Harlingen, TX, 49 km away, the last frost here is 3 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 15 |
| 50% (median) | January 12 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 19 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 5 |
| 50% (median) | January 1 |
| 90% (late) | February 5 |
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
Port Mansfield, 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 Port Mansfield, TX weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 10 ft (3 m)).
Frost dates near Port Mansfield
- San Perlita Jan 21 · Dec 26
- Rio Hondo Jan 8 · Dec 29
- Raymondville Jan 21 · Dec 26
- Lyford Jan 21 · Dec 26
- South Padre Island Jan 8 · Jan 4
- Lozano Jan 8 · Dec 29
- Sebastian Jan 10 · Dec 27
- Combes Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Harlingen Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Los Fresnos Jan 8 · Jan 4
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Port Mansfield, TX?
The median last spring frost in Port Mansfield, TX is January 12. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 19, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Port Mansfield, TX?
The median first fall frost is January 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 5.
How long is the growing season in Port Mansfield, TX?
About 354 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Port Mansfield, TX?
Port Mansfield, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.