San Benito, 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 San Benito compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in San Benito 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.
- San Benito shares its weather station with Harlingen, TX, 10 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
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
San Benito, 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, 8 km away (elevation 39 ft (12 m)).
Frost dates near San Benito
- Harlingen Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Lozano Jan 8 · Dec 29
- Los Indios Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Olmito Jan 9 · Jan 4
- Rio Hondo Jan 8 · Dec 29
- Combes Jan 9 · Jan 3
- La Feria Jan 10 · Dec 27
- Santa Maria Jan 8 · Dec 31
- Santa Rosa Jan 10 · Dec 27
- Los Fresnos Jan 8 · Jan 4
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in San Benito, TX?
The median last spring frost in San Benito, 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 San Benito, 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 San Benito, TX?
About 359 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is San Benito, TX?
San Benito, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.