Last frost date in Austin, TX
In Austin, the last spring frost comes around February 20 in an average year. Wait until March 14 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about December 3, which leaves 291 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 15 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Mar 14
- Average first frost
- Dec 3
- Frost-free season
- 291 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Feb 1
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 11:10 UTC
- ThuOct 2259°
- FriOct 2360°
- SatOct 2461°
- SunOct 2558°
- MonOct 2662°
- TueOct 2759°
Planting calendar for Austin
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Texas.
TomatoesFeb 27–Mar 13
PumpkinsMar 6–Mar 20
SunflowersFeb 20–Mar 13
CucumbersMar 6–Mar 13
CornFeb 27–Mar 13
Sweet potatoesMar 13–Mar 27
WatermelonMar 6–Mar 20
Green beansFeb 27–Mar 20
ZucchiniFeb 27–Mar 13
OkraMar 13–Mar 27
PeppersMar 6–Mar 20
BasilFeb 27–Mar 13
Butternut squashFeb 27–Mar 13
CantaloupeMar 6–Mar 20
EggplantMar 6–Mar 20
PotatoesJan 23–Feb 6
OnionsJan 9–Jan 30
CarrotsJan 30–Mar 6
LettuceFeb 6–Feb 27
BroccoliJan 23–Feb 6
BeetsJan 23–Mar 6
PeasJan 9–Jan 23
CabbageJan 23–Feb 6
RadishesJan 16–Feb 27
Brussels sproutsFeb 6–Feb 20
SpinachJan 9–Jan 30
CilantroFeb 6–Feb 27
KaleJan 23–Feb 6
Collard greensJan 23–Feb 6
TurnipsJan 23–Feb 6
DillFeb 20–Mar 6
CeleryFeb 27–Mar 6
CauliflowerFeb 6–Feb 20
LeeksFeb 6–Feb 20
Swiss chardFeb 6–Mar 6
ParsleyFeb 6–Feb 27
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesJan 23–Feb 6
AsparagusJan 23–Feb 6Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Jan 23 | Feb 20 | Mar 14 | Nov 15 | Dec 3 | Jan 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 29 | Feb 1 | Mar 3 | Nov 27 | Dec 27 | Feb 1 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Austin-camp Mabry (USW00013958) sits 1.6 miles from the center of Austin at 670 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Austin, TX?
The average last frost date in Austin is February 20, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after March 14.
When is the first frost in Austin?
The first frost in fall usually comes around December 3. One year in ten it arrives before November 15.
How long is the growing season in Austin?
About 291 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Austin?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 27 to March 13. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Texas
- ManorMar 4
- PflugervilleMar 11
- Brushy CreekMar 11
- Cedar ParkMar 11
- Round RockMar 11
- LeanderMar 6
- HuttoMar 8
- KyleFeb 28
- GeorgetownMar 6
- San MarcosFeb 28
- Canyon LakeMar 1
- New BraunfelsMar 8