Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Rotan, 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 22, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around April 7, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before March 28, 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 22 Feb 13 Feb 7 Feb 1 Jan 27 Jan 21 Jan 15 Jan 7 Dec 23
Last 20° Mar 17 Mar 6 Feb 25 Feb 18 Feb 11 Feb 4 Jan 28 Jan 20 Jan 8
Last 24° Mar 28 Mar 18 Mar 11 Mar 4 Feb 26 Feb 20 Feb 14 Feb 6 Jan 27
Last 28° Apr 7 Mar 29 Mar 23 Mar 18 Mar 14 Mar 9 Mar 4 Feb 26 Feb 18
Last 32° Apr 14 Apr 8 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 25 Mar 22 Mar 18 Mar 12
Last 36° Apr 22 Apr 17 Apr 13 Apr 10 Apr 7 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 28 Mar 23

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Rotan, 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 29, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By November 9, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By November 20, 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 20 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 28 Dec 8 Dec 16 Dec 22 Dec 29 Jan 5 Jan 12 Jan 23 --
First 20° Nov 12 Nov 22 Nov 30 Dec 7 Dec 13 Dec 19 Dec 26 Jan 3 Jan 14
First 24° Nov 8 Nov 16 Nov 21 Nov 26 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 10 Dec 15 Dec 23
First 28° Nov 2 Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 27 Dec 3
First 32° Oct 23 Oct 29 Nov 2 Nov 5 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 25
First 36° Oct 10 Oct 16 Oct 20 Oct 24 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 14

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

Or enter a new zipcode:

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