When is the last frost in Zapata, TX?

For ZIP code 78076, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 19, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Zapata 1 S, TX weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 25.

When is the first frost in Zapata, TX?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 22. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 28, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 78076?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 341 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 78076Zapata, TX

The average last spring frost in Zapata is January 19 and the average first fall frost is December 22, giving a typical growing season of about 341 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 19
Average first fall frost: Dec 22
Growing season: 341 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	Jan 7 · Feb 9 · Mar 7	Nov 17 · Dec 6 · Jan 6	304 days	98%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 17 · Jan 19 · Feb 25	Nov 28 · Dec 22 · Jan 27	341 days	77%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 13 · Jan 5 · Feb 15	Dec 8 · Jan 1 · Feb 5	365 days	36%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 78076 is matched to the NOAA station Zapata 1 S, TX, 2.1 km away, at 320 ft elevation (18 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Zapata 1 S, TX (used)	320 ft	Jan 19	Dec 22
Falcon Dam, TX	320 ft	Jan 9	Jan 1
Rio Grande City, TX	172 ft	Jan 31	Dec 17
Bruni, TX	771 ft	Jan 30	Dec 18

Frost dates near Zapata

Lopeno, TX 78564 · last Jan 9, first Jan 1
San Ygnacio, TX 78067 · last Jan 19, first Dec 22
Guerra, TX 78360 · last Jan 19, first Dec 22
Falcon Heights, TX 78545 · last Jan 9, first Jan 1
Salineno, TX 78585 · last Jan 9, first Jan 1
Laredo, TX 78044 · last Jan 25, first Dec 17
Roma, TX 78584 · last Jan 9, first Jan 1
Mirando City, TX 78369 · last Jan 30, first Dec 18

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Zapata, TX?: For ZIP code 78076, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 19, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Zapata 1 S, TX weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 25.
When is the first frost in Zapata, TX?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 22. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 28, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 78076?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 341 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.