Last spring frost
Mar 17
Frost Dates for Sandy Valley, CA
First fall frost
Nov 20
Growing season
245 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Sandy Valley, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 17 and the first fall frost is about Nov 20, giving roughly a 245-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 23 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 25 | Apr 7 | Mar 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 17 | Feb 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 27 | Feb 26 | Jan 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 5 | Jan 31 | Dec 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 25 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 24 | Mar 15 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 |
| 28°F | Mar 27 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Jan 30 |
| 24°F | Mar 5 | Feb 24 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 13 | Jan 6 | Dec 28 |
| 20°F | Feb 26 | Feb 10 | Jan 31 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 | Dec 15 |
| 16°F | Feb 27 | Jan 31 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Jan 5 | Jan 1 | Dec 30 | Dec 21 | Dec 12 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 9 | Nov 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 20 | Dec 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 1 | Dec 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 26 | Dec 15 | Jan 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 24 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 |
| 32°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 |
| 28°F | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 2 | Jan 15 |
| 20°F | Dec 3 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 20 | Feb 9 |
| 16°F | Dec 8 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 12 | Jan 24 | Feb 23 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Goodsprings, Nv, about 6.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,716 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Sandy Valley, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Sandy Valley, CA is about Mar 17. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Sandy Valley, CA typically arrives about Nov 20. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Mar 17 on average, or Feb 23 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 245 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 89019 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026