Frost dates for 78503 — Mcallen, TX
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 Mcallen compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Mcallen fall between January 3 and January 9. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 11, or the last frost as late as February 13.
- Compared with Brownsville, TX, 80 km away, the last frost here is the same as there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 17 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 11 |
| 50% (median) | January 3 |
| 90% (late) | February 9 |
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
Mcallen, 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 Mcallen Miller Intl Ap, TX weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 102 ft (31 m)).
ZIP codes in Mcallen: 78501 78502 78503 78504 78505
Frost dates near Mcallen
- Pharr Jan 9 · Jan 1
- Hidalgo Jan 9 · Jan 3
- San Juan Jan 9 · Jan 1
- Mission Jan 23 · Dec 28
- Alamo Jan 8 · Jan 2
- Donna Jan 8 · Dec 31
- Penitas Jan 23 · Dec 28
- Edinburg Jan 8 · Jan 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Mcallen, TX?
The median last spring frost in Mcallen, TX is January 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 13, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Mcallen, TX?
The median first fall frost is January 3, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 11.
How long is the growing season in Mcallen, TX?
About 359 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Mcallen, TX?
Mcallen, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.