Frost dates for 78573 — Mission, TX
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Mission compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Mission fall between December 28 and January 23. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 2, or the last frost as late as February 27.
- Compared with Mcallen, TX, 11 km away, the last frost here is 14 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 22 |
| 50% (median) | January 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 2 |
| 50% (median) | December 28 |
| 90% (late) | February 1 |
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
Mission, 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 La Joya, TX weather station, 4 km away (elevation 213 ft (65 m)).
ZIP codes in Mission: 78572 78573 78574
Frost dates near Mission
- Mcallen Jan 9 · Jan 1
- Penitas Jan 23 · Dec 28
- Edinburg Jan 8 · Jan 2
- Pharr Jan 9 · Jan 1
- San Juan Jan 9 · Jan 1
- La Joya Jan 23 · Dec 28
- Alamo Jan 8 · Jan 2
- Hidalgo Jan 9 · Jan 3
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Mission, TX?
The median last spring frost in Mission, TX is January 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Mission, TX?
The median first fall frost is December 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 2.
How long is the growing season in Mission, TX?
About 339 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Mission, TX?
Mission, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.