Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Rusk, 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 15, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around March 27, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before March 15, 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 12 Feb 3 Jan 26 Jan 20 Jan 13 Jan 4 Dec 20 -- --
Last 20° Feb 24 Feb 14 Feb 6 Jan 31 Jan 24 Jan 17 Jan 9 Dec 24 --
Last 24° Mar 10 Feb 27 Feb 20 Feb 13 Feb 7 Jan 31 Jan 24 Jan 15 Dec 29
Last 28° Mar 20 Mar 11 Mar 4 Feb 26 Feb 20 Feb 14 Feb 8 Feb 1 Jan 23
Last 32° Apr 1 Mar 24 Mar 19 Mar 14 Mar 10 Mar 6 Mar 1 Feb 24 Feb 16
Last 36° Apr 15 Apr 8 Apr 4 Mar 31 Mar 27 Mar 24 Mar 20 Mar 15 Mar 9

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Rusk, 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 10, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By November 21, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By December 2, 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 December 2 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 17 Dec 28 Jan 6 Jan 14 Jan 23 Feb 3 -- -- --
First 20° Dec 8 Dec 16 Dec 23 Dec 28 Jan 3 Jan 10 Jan 18 -- --
First 24° Nov 23 Dec 1 Dec 7 Dec 13 Dec 18 Dec 23 Dec 29 Jan 5 Jan 19
First 28° Nov 13 Nov 21 Nov 26 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 14 Dec 20 Dec 27
First 32° Nov 5 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 21 Nov 24 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 7
First 36° Oct 25 Oct 31 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 22 Nov 28

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

Or enter a new zipcode:

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