Last spring frost
May 12
Frost Dates for Reno, NV
First fall frost
Oct 17
Growing season
155 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Reno, NV, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 12 and the first fall frost is about Oct 17, giving roughly a 155-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 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) | Jun 15 | May 31 | May 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 5 | May 12 | Apr 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 18 | Apr 24 | Apr 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 29 | Apr 7 | Mar 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 15 | Jun 9 | Jun 5 | Jun 2 | May 31 | May 27 | May 21 | May 16 | May 8 |
| 32°F | Jun 5 | May 30 | May 22 | May 16 | May 12 | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 |
| 28°F | May 18 | May 8 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 12 | Apr 5 |
| 24°F | Apr 29 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 19 | Mar 7 |
| 20°F | Apr 10 | Apr 2 | Mar 27 | Mar 16 | Mar 9 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 17 | Feb 8 |
| 16°F | Mar 13 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Jan 29 | Jan 18 | Jan 2 |
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 22 | Oct 7 | Oct 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 17 | Nov 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 31 | Nov 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 12 | Dec 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 22 | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 23 |
| 32°F | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Oct 12 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 |
| 24°F | Oct 24 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 3 | Nov 9 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 |
| 16°F | Nov 15 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 6 |
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: Virginia City, Nv, about 4.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 6,340 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 May 12. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Reno, NV typically arrives about Oct 17. 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 May 12 on average, or Apr 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 155 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 89521 Planting calendar → Nevada frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026