Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Vernon, 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 23, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around April 8, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before March 30, 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 26 Feb 16 Feb 9 Feb 3 Jan 28 Jan 21 Jan 14 Jan 2 --
Last 20° Mar 9 Feb 28 Feb 23 Feb 18 Feb 13 Feb 8 Feb 3 Jan 28 Jan 20
Last 24° Mar 25 Mar 17 Mar 11 Mar 6 Mar 1 Feb 24 Feb 19 Feb 13 Feb 4
Last 28° Apr 6 Mar 30 Mar 25 Mar 21 Mar 17 Mar 13 Mar 9 Mar 4 Feb 26
Last 32° Apr 12 Apr 8 Apr 4 Apr 2 Mar 30 Mar 28 Mar 25 Mar 22 Mar 17
Last 36° Apr 23 Apr 18 Apr 14 Apr 11 Apr 8 Apr 6 Apr 2 Mar 30 Mar 25

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Vernon, 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 30 Dec 8 Dec 15 Dec 20 Dec 25 Dec 31 Jan 7 Jan 17 --
First 20° Nov 9 Nov 20 Nov 28 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 18 Dec 25 Jan 2 Jan 13
First 24° Nov 9 Nov 16 Nov 21 Nov 25 Nov 29 Dec 2 Dec 6 Dec 11 Dec 18
First 28° Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 12 Nov 15 Nov 19 Nov 24 Nov 28 Dec 5
First 32° Oct 23 Oct 29 Nov 2 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 26
First 36° Oct 9 Oct 15 Oct 20 Oct 24 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 4 Nov 9 Nov 15

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

Or enter a new zipcode:

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