Frost dates for 78736 — Austin, TX
How Austin compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Austin falls between February 26 and April 7, a 40-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 29 and December 4.
- The median last frost is 2 days later than the Texas median of Mar 15.
- Its 241-day growing season is longer than 43% of the 1,316 Texas places with a regular frost season (state median 245 days).
- The last frost is 14 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, 103 km away, the last frost here is 20 days later than there and the growing season is 35 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 26 |
| 50% (median) | March 17 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 29 |
| 50% (median) | November 13 |
| 90% (late) | December 4 |
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 78736 — Austin, TX — last frost Mar 17, first frost Nov 13, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Austin, TX
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 23 – Jan 6 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Feb 17 – Mar 24 | Sep 18 – Oct 16 |
| Kale | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Broccoli | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Cabbage | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | — | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Okra | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — |
| Basil | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 3 – Feb 24 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 3 – Feb 24 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 10 – Mar 24 | Oct 2 – Oct 23 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 17 – Feb 24 | Mar 31 – Apr 7 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 17 – Feb 24 | — | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 17 – Feb 24 | — | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 17 – Feb 24 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 24 – Mar 24 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 24 – Mar 24 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 24 – Mar 17 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 3 – Mar 31 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 3 – Mar 24 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 24 – Apr 14 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 31 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 30 – Dec 4 |
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 Dripping Springs 6 E, TX weather station, 7 km away (elevation 1,083 ft (330 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
- Manchaca Mar 10 · Nov 17
- Mc Neil Feb 20 · Dec 3
- Buda Mar 10 · Nov 17
- Dripping Springs Mar 17 · Nov 13
- Driftwood Mar 17 · Nov 13
- Spicewood Mar 17 · Nov 13
- Kyle Feb 28 · Nov 29
- Del Valle Mar 12 · Nov 16
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Austin, TX?
The median last spring frost in Austin, TX is March 17. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 7, 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 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 29.
How long is the growing season in Austin, TX?
About 241 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.