Rio Hondo, 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 Rio Hondo compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Rio Hondo fall between December 29 and January 8. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 2, or the last frost as late as February 17.
- Compared with Harlingen, TX, 17 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 17 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 2 |
| 50% (median) | December 29 |
| 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
Rio Hondo, 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 Rio Grande Ap, TX weather station, 10 km away (elevation 33 ft (10 m)).
Frost dates near Rio Hondo
- Lozano Jan 8 · Dec 29
- San Benito Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Harlingen Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Combes Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Los Fresnos Jan 8 · Jan 4
- Olmito Jan 9 · Jan 4
- Santa Rosa Jan 10 · Dec 27
- Los Indios Jan 9 · Jan 3
- La Feria Jan 10 · Dec 27
- Sebastian Jan 10 · Dec 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Rio Hondo, TX?
The median last spring frost in Rio Hondo, TX is January 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 17, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Rio Hondo, TX?
The median first fall frost is December 29, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 2.
How long is the growing season in Rio Hondo, TX?
About 355 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Rio Hondo, TX?
Rio Hondo, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.