Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Elgin, 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 9, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
- Around March 17, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
- Before March 2, 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° | Jan 20 | Jan 9 | Dec 25 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 20° | Feb 12 | Feb 2 | Jan 25 | Jan 17 | Jan 8 | Dec 23 | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 24° | Feb 27 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 16 | Jan 7 | Dec 24 | -- |
| Last 28° | Mar 13 | Mar 3 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 29 | Jan 21 | Jan 10 |
| Last 32° | Mar 20 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 20 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 1 |
| Last 36° | Apr 9 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 22 |
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall
As summer ends in Elgin, 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 30 | Jan 10 | Jan 26 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 20° | Dec 18 | Dec 30 | Jan 9 | Jan 19 | Feb 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 24° | Dec 3 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jan 16 | Feb 1 | -- |
| First 28° | Nov 20 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Jan 4 |
| First 32° | Nov 7 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 |
| First 36° | Oct 26 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 6 |
📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations
- Taylor, TX 16.3 mi
- Lexington, TX 24.8 mi
- Red Rock, TX 26.4 mi
- Smithville, TX 26.7 mi
- Austin-camp Mabry, TX 27.3 mi
- Cameron, TX 44.6 mi
- La Grange, TX 44.7 mi
- Stillhouse Hollow Dam, TX 49.7 mi
- Luling, TX 50.1 mi
- San Marcos, TX 51.2 mi
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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.