Frost dates for Houston, Texas
In a typical year, Houston’s last spring frost lands around Feb 13 and the first fall frost around Dec 9, a growing season of about 299 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 9b.
Right now the growing season is open, with about 45 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Jan 12 | Nov 17 |
| 50 percent | Feb 13 | Dec 9 |
| 90 percent | Mar 12 | Jan 11 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in Houston is typically around 70°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Houston
- Radish (Cherry Belle)
- Spinach (Space)
- Garlic (Music)
- Turnip (Purple Top White Globe)
- Arugula (Astro)
- Mustard greens (Red Giant)
- Bok choy (Toy Choi)
- Tatsoi (Tatsoi)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Houston’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Houston, Texas?
Houston’s last spring frost falls around February 13 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by January 12, and one year in ten frost holds on until March 12. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Houston?
The first fall frost arrives around December 9 in a typical year, as early as November 17 in an early year and as late as January 11 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Houston?
About 299 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Houston in?
Houston is in USDA hardiness zone 9b under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.
Nearby cities
- Pasadena, TX (around Jan 30 to Dec 28)
- Pearland, TX (around Jan 31 to Dec 27)
- Bay City, TX (around Feb 20 to Dec 3)
- College Station, TX (around Feb 27 to Nov 30)
- Beaumont, TX (around Feb 14 to Dec 4)
Row & Bed is a plant reference built around your garden: your zone, your frost dates, your forecast, and a cited page for every variety in your beds.
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