Last spring frost
Mar 12
Frost Dates for Silver City, CA
First fall frost
Dec 9
Growing season
273 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Silver City, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 12 and the first fall frost is about Dec 9, giving roughly a 273-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 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) | Apr 28 | Apr 10 | Mar 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 16 | Mar 12 | Jan 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 29 | Jan 15 | Dec 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 19 | Dec 27 | Dec 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 28 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 24 | Mar 11 |
| 32°F | Apr 16 | Apr 7 | Mar 31 | Mar 21 | Mar 12 | Mar 1 | Feb 18 | Feb 4 | Jan 20 |
| 28°F | Mar 29 | Mar 5 | Feb 13 | Jan 27 | Jan 15 | Jan 7 | Jan 1 | Dec 24 | Dec 15 |
| 24°F | Mar 19 | Jan 14 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 27 | Dec 24 | Dec 18 | Dec 13 | Dec 7 |
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) | Nov 4 | Nov 23 | Dec 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 17 | Dec 9 | Jan 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 29 | Dec 23 | Feb 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 4 | Dec 25 | Mar 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 |
| 32°F | Nov 17 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 2 |
| 28°F | Nov 29 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 5 | Jan 15 | Feb 8 |
| 24°F | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 12 | Mar 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: Ash Mtn, Ca, about 9.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,708 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 Silver City, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Silver City, CA is about Mar 12. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Silver City, CA typically arrives about Dec 9. 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 Mar 12 on average, or Jan 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 273 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 93262 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026