Last spring frost
Apr 28
Frost Dates for Reno, NV
First fall frost
Oct 27
Growing season
182 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Reno, NV, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 28 and the first fall frost is about Oct 27, giving roughly a 182-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 9 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) | Jun 5 | May 14 | Apr 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 19 | Apr 28 | Apr 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 2 | Apr 10 | Mar 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 19 | Feb 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 5 | May 31 | May 25 | May 19 | May 14 | May 10 | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 25 |
| 32°F | May 19 | May 11 | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 9 |
| 28°F | May 2 | Apr 25 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 27 | Mar 18 |
| 24°F | Apr 14 | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 19 |
| 20°F | Mar 21 | Mar 11 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 | Jan 20 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 21 | Jan 10 | Jan 2 | Dec 23 |
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) | Sep 28 | Oct 15 | Nov 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 10 | Oct 27 | Nov 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 8 | Nov 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 19 | Dec 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 28 | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Nov 1 |
| 32°F | Oct 10 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 |
| 28°F | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 |
| 20°F | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 25 |
| 16°F | Nov 23 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 17 |
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: Reno Wfo, Nv, about 3.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,987 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 Reno, NV?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Reno, NV is about Apr 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 9.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Reno, NV typically arrives about Oct 27. 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 Apr 28 on average, or Apr 9 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 182 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 89501 Planting calendar → Nevada frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026