Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 78841 — Del Rio, TX

ZIP code 78841 (Del Rio, Val Verde County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost November 27.

Where ZIP 78841 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone8b15 to 20 °F

Coldest night−9.4 to −6.7 °C

Last frostFeb 27

First frostNov 27

2012 zone9a

Was 9a on the 2012 map — half a zone colder now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 8b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Del Rio, TX…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Del Rio, TX

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostFebruary 27median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMarch 17only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 27median — 10% chance by Nov 10

Growing season270 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around February 10 and returns around December 8.

From the NOAA station Langtry, TX — 6 miles away, elevation 1,289 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 78841

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Jan 16 – Jan 30

SpinachSow outdoors · Jan 16 – Feb 6

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Dec 19 – Jan 2

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 6 – Feb 20

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Jan 30 – Feb 13

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 6 – Feb 20

LettuceSow outdoors · Jan 30 – Feb 13

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 6 – Feb 20

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 2 – Jan 16

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 6 – Mar 20

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Dec 19 – Jan 2

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Mar 13 – Mar 27

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 6 – Mar 20

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 6 – Mar 20

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 6 – Mar 20

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Oct 2 – Oct 16

GarlicPlant cloves · Nov 13 – Dec 18

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Feb 27) and first fall frost (Nov 27) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 78841 came on Feb 4 — 6 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 29).

average
Jan 292026
Feb 4

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 8b in Texas

620 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Texas, and rated by the USDA to survive 15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 8b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Del Rio, TX.

Soil in Del Rio, TX

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 78841 is Mariscal — very channery silt loam, well drained.

TextureVery channery silt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH8.2alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Mariscal very channery silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 78841; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Del Rio, TX

Summer high99 °Faverage high, August

Winter low36 °Faverage low, January

Hot days149days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights30nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days7,687base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 04 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 13 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growShort-daysummer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb

Precipitation14.3 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Langtry, TX (6 mi away); precipitation: Langtry, TX (6 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

4 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

Laughlin Afb, TX · 54 mi

All 4 ZIP codes in Del Rio → · Texas planting zones →

Questions about 78841

What planting zone is ZIP code 78841?

ZIP code 78841 (Del Rio, TX) is in USDA hardiness zone 8b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 15 to 20 °F (−9.4 to −6.7 °C).

When is the last frost in Del Rio, TX?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 78841 is February 27; after March 17 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Langtry station.

When is the first frost in Del Rio, TX?

The median first fall frost near 78841 is November 27, giving a median frost-free growing season of 270 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 78841?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 2 – Jan 16 and set transplants outside around Mar 6 – Mar 20, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 78841 get?

About 14.3 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Langtry station).

How hot do summers get in Del Rio, TX?

The average high peaks at 99 °F in August, with about 149 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 78841 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Mariscal at the center of ZIP 78841: very channery silt loam, well drained, pH about 8.2 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Del Rio, TX in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 78841 came on Feb 4 in 2026, 6 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 29), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Del Rio, TX?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 78841 is 14 h 04 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.

Did the zone for 78841 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 78841 in zone 9a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 8b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.