Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Sanderson, 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 30, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before March 20, 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 11 Jan 29 Jan 18 Jan 8 Dec 27 Dec 6 -- -- --
Last 20° Mar 3 Feb 18 Feb 9 Jan 31 Jan 23 Jan 15 Jan 5 Dec 23 --
Last 24° Mar 26 Mar 14 Mar 6 Feb 27 Feb 20 Feb 13 Feb 6 Jan 29 Jan 17
Last 28° Apr 2 Mar 25 Mar 19 Mar 14 Mar 9 Mar 4 Feb 27 Feb 21 Feb 13
Last 32° Apr 10 Apr 3 Mar 30 Mar 26 Mar 22 Mar 18 Mar 14 Mar 9 Mar 3
Last 36° Apr 15 Apr 9 Apr 5 Apr 2 Mar 30 Mar 27 Mar 24 Mar 20 Mar 14

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

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