South Padre Island, 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 South Padre Island compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in South Padre Island fall between January 4 and January 8. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 10, or the last frost as late as February 7.
- Compared with Brownsville, TX, 45 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 16 |
| 50% (median) | January 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 10 |
| 50% (median) | January 4 |
| 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
South Padre Island, 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 Isabel Cameron Ap, TX weather station, 17 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
Frost dates near South Padre Island
- Port Isabel Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Los Fresnos Jan 8 · Jan 4
- Lozano Jan 8 · Dec 29
- Rio Hondo Jan 8 · Dec 29
- Port Mansfield Jan 12 · Jan 1
- Olmito Jan 9 · Jan 4
- Brownsville Jan 9 · Jan 4
- San Benito Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Harlingen Jan 9 · Jan 3
- San Perlita Jan 21 · Dec 26
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in South Padre Island, TX?
The median last spring frost in South Padre Island, TX is January 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in South Padre Island, TX?
The median first fall frost is January 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 10.
How long is the growing season in South Padre Island, TX?
About 361 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is South Padre Island, TX?
South Padre Island, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.