Last spring frost
Feb 22
Frost Dates for Barstow, CA
First fall frost
Nov 23
Growing season
271 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Barstow, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 22 and the first fall frost is about Nov 23, giving roughly a 271-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 29 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 14 | Mar 17 | Feb 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 24 | Feb 22 | Jan 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 25 | Jan 30 | Jan 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 7 | Jan 10 | Dec 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 14 | Apr 6 | Mar 30 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 |
| 32°F | Mar 24 | Mar 10 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 29 |
| 28°F | Feb 25 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 24 | Jan 18 | Jan 11 | Jan 2 |
| 24°F | Feb 7 | Jan 30 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 10 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 25 | Dec 13 |
| 20°F | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Jan 5 | Jan 1 | Dec 28 | Dec 22 | Dec 13 | Dec 5 |
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 31 | Nov 12 | Nov 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 23 | Dec 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 6 | Dec 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 29 | Dec 22 | Jan 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 |
| 32°F | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 |
| 28°F | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 |
| 24°F | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 6 | Jan 19 |
| 20°F | Nov 30 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | 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: Barstow, Ca, about 5.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,220 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 Barstow, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Barstow, CA is about Feb 22. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Barstow, CA typically arrives about Nov 23. 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 22 on average, or Jan 29 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 271 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 92311 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026