When is the last frost in Mission, TX?

For ZIP code 78573, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 23, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the La Joya, TX weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 27.

When is the first frost in Mission, TX?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 28. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 2, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 78573?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 340 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 78573Mission, TX

The average last spring frost in Mission is January 23 and the average first fall frost is December 28, giving a typical growing season of about 340 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 23
Average first fall frost: Dec 28
Growing season: 340 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 9 · Feb 11 · Mar 11	Nov 18 · Dec 7 · Jan 7	303 days	99%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 22 · Jan 23 · Feb 27	Dec 2 · Dec 28 · Feb 1	340 days	79%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 17 · Jan 7 · Feb 6	Dec 13 · Jan 1 · Feb 1	365 days	39%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 78573 is matched to the NOAA station La Joya, TX, 4 km away, at 213 ft elevation (55 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
La Joya, TX (used)	213 ft	Jan 23	Dec 28
Mcallen, TX	100 ft	Jan 9	Jan 1
Mcallen Miller Intl Ap, TX	100 ft	Jan 9	Jan 3
Edinburg, TX	96 ft	Jan 8	Jan 2

Frost dates near Mission

Mission, TX 78574 · last Jan 23, first Dec 28
Mcallen, TX 78504 · last Jan 9, first Jan 1
Edinburg, TX 78539 · last Jan 8, first Jan 2
Penitas, TX 78576 · last Jan 23, first Dec 28
Pharr, TX 78577 · last Jan 9, first Jan 1
San Juan, TX 78589 · last Jan 9, first Jan 1
La Joya, TX 78560 · last Jan 23, first Dec 28
Alamo, TX 78516 · last Jan 8, first Jan 2

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Mission, TX?: For ZIP code 78573, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 23, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the La Joya, TX weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 27.
When is the first frost in Mission, TX?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 28. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 2, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 78573?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 340 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.