Frost Dates for Port Arthur, TX 77642

Last spring frost February 14 · First fall frost December 6 · 295 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b

Frost probability for 77642

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)March 21February 14January 30
Fall (first frost)November 11December 6January 25

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (10.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Port Arthur, TX

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
77642February 14December 69b
77640February 14December 69b

Month by month in Port Arthur

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
FebruaryLast frost around February 14. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MarchFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
AprilSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
MayHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
JuneMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
JulyDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
NovemberFirst fall frost approaching (around December 6). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
DecemberFirst frost around December 6. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.

What grows in a 295-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Port Arthur, TX (ZIP 77642)?

The median last spring frost date for Port Arthur, TX (ZIP code 77642) is around February 14. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Port Arthur, TX?

The median first fall frost date for Port Arthur, TX is around December 6. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Port Arthur, TX?

The frost-free growing season in Port Arthur is about 295 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Port Arthur, TX?

Based on frost date patterns, Port Arthur falls approximately in 9b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Port Arthur, TX?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around February 14). For Port Arthur, that's roughly December 20 to January 3. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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