Propane freezes at an extremely low temperature, far below anything encountered in everyday conditions. Technically, pure propane solidifies around -306°F (-188°C) , but this rarely happens outside lab settings.

Freezing Point Facts

Propane's true freezing point (liquid to solid) is -306.4°F (-188°C) , much colder than Earth's record low of about -128°F.

In tanks, propane stays liquid under pressure and only vaporizes for use above its boiling point of -44°F (-42°C).

Real-world worry? Not freezing into ice, but poor vaporization in sub-zero cold, reducing usable fuel by up to 40% at -20°F if the tank is low.

Cold Weather Performance

  • Boiling point matters most : Drops to -44°F; below this without pressure, it won't turn to gas easily.
  • Tank risks : Regulators/ lines can ice up from moisture or rapid draw (e.g., generators).
  • Safe temps : Works fine down to -20°F or lower with full tanks; lowest U.S. winter averages (15-25°F) pose no freeze threat.

Scenario| Temp Threshold| Issue| Prevention
---|---|---|---
Solid freeze| -306°F| Lab-only| N/A 2
Vapor loss| Below -44°F| Low pressure/gas| Keep tank >50% full 1
Regulator icing| Sub-zero + humidity| Blockage| Insulate/cover 9

Practical Tips for Winter

Imagine a rural homeowner firing up a propane heater during a January 2026 polar vortex (like recent Midwest storms). To avoid hiccups:

  1. Maintain 50%+ fill : Maximizes vapor space as cold shrinks liquid.
  1. Insulate tank/regulator : Use covers; heat tape for lines.
  2. Shelter tank : Windless spot prevents extra cooling.
  1. Monitor delivery : Pros note more "out-of-gas" calls in deep freezes due to vapor lock, not true freezing.

TL;DR : Propane won't freeze solid above -306°F —worry about cold performance instead. Full tanks and wraps keep it reliable through any U.S. winter.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.