Frost dates for 78701 — Austin, TX
How Austin compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Austin falls between February 20 and March 31, a 39-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 1 and December 6.
- The median last frost is 5 days earlier than the Texas median of Mar 15.
- Its 252-day growing season is longer than 61% of the 1,316 Texas places with a regular frost season (state median 245 days).
- The last frost is 7 days later than the zone 9a median of Mar 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 9a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 29 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with San Antonio, TX, 116 km away, the last frost here is 13 days later than there and the growing season is 24 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 20 |
| 50% (median) | March 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 31 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 1 |
| 50% (median) | November 17 |
| 90% (late) | December 6 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Austin, TX
Frost dates for 78701 — Austin, TX — last frost Mar 10, first frost Nov 17, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Austin, TX
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 16 – Dec 30 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 30 – Jan 13 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 30 – Jan 13 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Feb 10 – Mar 17 | Sep 22 – Oct 20 |
| Kale | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Broccoli | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Cabbage | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Okra | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — |
| Basil | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Jan 27 – Feb 17 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 27 – Feb 17 | Sep 22 – Oct 13 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 3 – Mar 17 | Oct 6 – Oct 27 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 10 – Feb 17 | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 10 – Feb 17 | — | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Sep 8 – Sep 22 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 10 – Feb 17 | — | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 10 – Feb 17 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 17 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 17 | Sep 8 – Sep 22 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 24 – Mar 24 | Sep 8 – Sep 22 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 24 – Mar 17 | Sep 22 – Oct 13 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 7 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 24 – Apr 14 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 3 – Dec 8 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Austin 6s, TX weather station, 5 km away (elevation 571 ft (174 m)).
ZIP codes in Austin: 73301 73344 78701 78702 78703 78704 78705 78708 78709 78710 78711 78712 78713 78714 78715 78716 78717 78718 78719 78720 78721 78722 78723 78724 78725 78726 78727 78728 78729 78730 78731 78732 78733 78734 78735 78736 78737 78738 78739 78741 78742 78744 78745 78746 78747 78748 78749 78750 78751 78752 78753 78754 78755 78756 78757 78758 78759 78760 78761 78762 …
Frost dates near Austin
- Mc Neil Feb 20 · Dec 3
- Del Valle Mar 12 · Nov 16
- Manchaca Mar 10 · Nov 17
- Manor Mar 4 · Nov 24
- Pflugerville Mar 11 · Nov 20
- Buda Mar 10 · Nov 17
- Cedar Park Mar 11 · Nov 20
- Cedar Creek Mar 14 · Nov 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Austin, TX?
The median last spring frost in Austin, TX is March 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 31, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Austin, TX?
The median first fall frost is November 17, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 1.
How long is the growing season in Austin, TX?
About 252 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Austin, TX?
Austin, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.