Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Carta Valley, TX
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring
As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.
While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.
Key dates for your spring planting:
- By April 17, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
- Around April 1, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
- Before March 21, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them
If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 16° | Feb 10 | Jan 30 | Jan 22 | Jan 14 | Jan 5 | Dec 23 | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 20° | Feb 24 | Feb 12 | Feb 3 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 11 | Jan 1 | Dec 18 | -- |
| Last 24° | Mar 15 | Mar 5 | Feb 26 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 25 | Jan 14 |
| Last 28° | Apr 4 | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 5 |
| Last 32° | Apr 8 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 |
| Last 36° | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 |
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall
As summer ends in Carta Valley, TX, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.
The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:
These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 16° | Dec 13 | Dec 25 | Jan 4 | Jan 13 | Jan 24 | Feb 12 | -- | -- | -- |
| First 20° | Nov 27 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 7 | Jan 18 | -- |
| First 24° | Nov 13 | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Jan 2 |
| First 28° | Nov 1 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 18 |
| First 32° | Oct 9 | Oct 20 | Oct 29 | Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 19 | Nov 26 | Dec 4 | Dec 16 |
| First 36° | Oct 16 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 |
📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations
- Del Rio, TX 33.5 mi
- Amistad Dam, TX 33.6 mi
- Rocksprings, TX 35.4 mi
- Brackettville, TX 37.3 mi
- Camp Wood, TX 46.5 mi
- Sonora, TX 54.9 mi
- Langtry, TX 61.5 mi
- Prade Rch, TX 61.6 mi
- Pandale, TX 67.7 mi
- Eagle Pass, TX 72.7 mi
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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.