Zapata, TX frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Zapata compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Zapata fall between December 22 and January 19. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 28, or the last frost as late as February 25.
- Compared with Laredo, TX, 73 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 17 |
| 50% (median) | January 19 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 28 |
| 50% (median) | December 22 |
| 90% (late) | January 27 |
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
Zapata, 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 Zapata 1 S, TX weather station, 2 km away (elevation 322 ft (98 m)).
Frost dates near Zapata
- Lopeno Jan 9 · Jan 1
- San Ygnacio Jan 19 · Dec 22
- Guerra Jan 19 · Dec 22
- Falcon Heights Jan 9 · Jan 1
- Salineno Jan 9 · Jan 1
- Roma Jan 31 · Dec 17
- Mirando City Jan 30 · Dec 18
- Rio Grande City Jan 31 · Dec 17
- Oilton Jan 30 · Dec 18
- Hebbronville Feb 4 · Dec 12
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Zapata, TX?
The median last spring frost in Zapata, TX is January 19. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 25, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Zapata, TX?
The median first fall frost is December 22, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 28.
How long is the growing season in Zapata, TX?
About 337 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Zapata, TX?
Zapata, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.