Last spring frost
Feb 28
Frost Dates for Apple Valley, CA
First fall frost
Dec 1
Growing season
270 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Apple Valley, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 28 and the first fall frost is about Dec 1, giving roughly a 270-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 1 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 22 | Mar 31 | Mar 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 1 | Jan 30 | Dec 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 7 | Jan 8 | Dec 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 22 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 11 | Mar 3 |
| 32°F | Apr 3 | Mar 22 | Mar 12 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 1 |
| 28°F | Mar 1 | Feb 21 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 15 | Jan 8 | Dec 31 |
| 24°F | Feb 7 | Jan 28 | Jan 20 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 25 | Dec 15 |
| 20°F | Jan 15 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 31 | Dec 26 | Dec 18 | Dec 9 |
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 29 | Nov 16 | Dec 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 11 | Dec 1 | Dec 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 26 | Dec 14 | Jan 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 8 | Dec 28 | Jan 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 29 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 |
| 32°F | Nov 11 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 |
| 28°F | Nov 26 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 10 |
| 24°F | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 14 | Jan 25 |
| 20°F | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Dec 31 | Jan 2 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 |
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: Hesperia 2E, Ca, about 6.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,055 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 Apple Valley, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Apple Valley, CA is about Feb 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Apple Valley, CA typically arrives about Dec 1. 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 Feb 28 on average, or Feb 1 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 270 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 92308 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026