Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Marfa, 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 May 6, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around April 23, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before April 14, 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° Mar 12 Mar 2 Feb 23 Feb 17 Feb 12 Feb 6 Jan 31 Jan 24 Jan 15
Last 20° Mar 31 Mar 22 Mar 15 Mar 9 Mar 3 Feb 26 Feb 20 Feb 13 Feb 3
Last 24° Apr 6 Mar 29 Mar 24 Mar 19 Mar 15 Mar 10 Mar 6 Feb 28 Feb 21
Last 28° Apr 22 Apr 15 Apr 10 Apr 6 Apr 2 Mar 28 Mar 24 Mar 19 Mar 12
Last 32° Apr 30 Apr 23 Apr 19 Apr 15 Apr 11 Apr 7 Apr 3 Mar 30 Mar 23
Last 36° May 6 May 1 Apr 28 Apr 25 Apr 23 Apr 20 Apr 17 Apr 14 Apr 9

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Marfa, 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 October 20, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 30, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 9, 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 9 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° Nov 15 Nov 24 Dec 1 Dec 6 Dec 11 Dec 17 Dec 22 Dec 30 Jan 9
First 20° Nov 9 Nov 16 Nov 21 Nov 25 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 6 Dec 11 Dec 17
First 24° Oct 28 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 12 Nov 15 Nov 19 Nov 22 Nov 27 Dec 3
First 28° Oct 20 Oct 27 Nov 1 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 21 Nov 28
First 32° Oct 14 Oct 20 Oct 23 Oct 27 Oct 30 Nov 2 Nov 5 Nov 9 Nov 14
First 36° Oct 3 Oct 8 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 24 Oct 28 Nov 2

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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