Frost dates for 78523 — Brownsville, TX
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Brownsville compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Brownsville fall between January 4 and January 9. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 9, or the last frost as late as March 1.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 9 |
| 50% (median) | January 4 |
| 90% (late) | February 18 |
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
Brownsville, 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 Wfo Brownsville, TX weather station, 12 km away (elevation 16 ft (5 m)).
ZIP codes in Brownsville: 78520 78521 78522 78523 78526
Frost dates near Brownsville
- Olmito Jan 9 · Jan 4
- Los Fresnos Jan 8 · Jan 4
- San Benito Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Port Isabel Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Lozano Jan 8 · Dec 29
- Los Indios Jan 9 · Jan 3
- Rio Hondo Jan 8 · Dec 29
- Harlingen Jan 9 · Jan 3
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Brownsville, TX?
The median last spring frost in Brownsville, TX is January 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Brownsville, TX?
The median first fall frost is January 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 9.
How long is the growing season in Brownsville, TX?
About 360 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Brownsville, TX?
Brownsville, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.