Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Carthage, 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 4, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before March 26, 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.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Feb 4 Jan 24 Jan 15 Jan 5 Dec 20 -- -- -- --
Last 20° Feb 22 Feb 12 Feb 5 Jan 30 Jan 24 Jan 17 Jan 10 Dec 29 --
Last 24° Mar 12 Mar 2 Feb 24 Feb 18 Feb 13 Feb 7 Feb 1 Jan 25 Jan 14
Last 28° Mar 21 Mar 13 Mar 8 Mar 3 Feb 27 Feb 23 Feb 18 Feb 13 Feb 5
Last 32° Apr 5 Mar 30 Mar 25 Mar 21 Mar 17 Mar 13 Mar 9 Mar 4 Feb 25
Last 36° Apr 17 Apr 13 Apr 9 Apr 6 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 26 Mar 21

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Carthage, 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:

1
Early warning: Around November 3, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By November 14, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 26, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past November 26 without a freezing night

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.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Dec 20 Dec 31 Jan 9 Jan 19 Feb 4 -- -- -- --
First 20° Dec 5 Dec 14 Dec 20 Dec 26 Dec 31 Jan 6 Jan 14 Jan 28 --
First 24° Nov 19 Nov 28 Dec 4 Dec 9 Dec 14 Dec 19 Dec 25 Jan 1 Jan 11
First 28° Nov 6 Nov 13 Nov 18 Nov 22 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 5 Dec 10 Dec 17
First 32° Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 21 Nov 26 Dec 2
First 36° Oct 14 Oct 20 Oct 25 Oct 28 Nov 1 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 12 Nov 18

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.