Frost Dates for Carson City, NV
In an average year around Carson City, NV, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 4 and the first fall frost is about Oct 6, giving roughly a 152-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 20 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 13 | May 26 | May 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 29 | May 4 | Apr 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 9 | Apr 20 | Apr 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 4 | Mar 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 13 | Jun 5 | Jun 2 | May 30 | May 26 | May 22 | May 18 | May 12 | May 5 |
| 32°F | May 29 | May 21 | May 14 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 |
| 28°F | May 9 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 |
| 24°F | Apr 23 | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 11 |
| 20°F | Apr 4 | Mar 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 | Feb 16 |
| 16°F | Mar 14 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 19 |
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 11 | Sep 26 | Oct 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 24 | Oct 6 | Oct 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 4 | Oct 18 | Nov 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 14 | Oct 29 | Nov 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 11 | Sep 16 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 |
| 32°F | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 20 |
| 28°F | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 |
| 24°F | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 |
| 20°F | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 |
| 16°F | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 9 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Carson City, Nv, about 5.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,761 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
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 Carson City, NV?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Carson City, NV is about May 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Carson City, NV typically arrives about Oct 6. 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 4 on average, or Apr 20 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 152 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 89703 Planting calendar → Nevada frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026