Last spring frost
May 27
Frost Dates for Big Bear Lake, CA
First fall frost
Oct 4
Growing season
131 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Big Bear Lake, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 27 and the first fall frost is about Oct 4, giving roughly a 131-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 6 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 29 | Jun 9 | May 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 9 | May 27 | May 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 27 | May 4 | Apr 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 1 | Apr 15 | Mar 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 29 | Jun 21 | Jun 16 | Jun 12 | Jun 9 | Jun 6 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 27 |
| 32°F | Jun 9 | Jun 5 | Jun 2 | May 31 | May 27 | May 23 | May 18 | May 13 | May 6 |
| 28°F | May 27 | May 20 | May 15 | May 9 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 | Apr 17 |
| 24°F | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 28 |
| 20°F | Apr 18 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 3 |
| 16°F | Apr 4 | Mar 24 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 18 | Feb 8 |
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) | Aug 31 | Sep 20 | Oct 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 21 | Oct 4 | Oct 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 4 | Oct 20 | Nov 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 17 | Nov 4 | Nov 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 31 | Sep 7 | Sep 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 4 |
| 32°F | Sep 21 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 20 |
| 28°F | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 |
| 24°F | Oct 17 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 |
| 20°F | Oct 31 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 16°F | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 |
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: Big Bear Lake, Ca, about 3.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 6,753 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 Big Bear Lake, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Big Bear Lake, CA is about May 27. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Big Bear Lake, CA typically arrives about Oct 4. 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 27 on average, or May 6 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 131 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 92333 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026