Last spring frost
Mar 15
Frost Dates for Creston, CA
First fall frost
Nov 10
Growing season
238 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Creston, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 15 and the first fall frost is about Nov 10, giving roughly a 238-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 12 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) | May 6 | Apr 18 | Mar 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 13 | Mar 15 | Feb 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 4 | Feb 9 | Jan 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 12 | Jan 11 | Dec 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 6 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 24 |
| 32°F | Apr 13 | Apr 6 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 15 | Mar 8 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 12 |
| 28°F | Mar 4 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 28 | Jan 18 | Jan 2 |
| 24°F | Feb 12 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 20 | Jan 11 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 25 | Dec 13 |
| 20°F | Jan 26 | Jan 15 | Jan 10 | Jan 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 30 | Dec 25 | Dec 19 | Dec 11 |
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 12 | Oct 27 | Nov 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 10 | Nov 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 26 | Dec 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 21 | Dec 8 | Jan 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 12 |
| 32°F | Oct 23 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 |
| 28°F | Nov 4 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 19 |
| 24°F | Nov 21 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Jan 1 | Jan 10 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 2 | Jan 11 |
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: Paso Robles, Ca, about 15.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 730 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 Creston, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Creston, CA is about Mar 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Creston, CA typically arrives about Nov 10. 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 15 on average, or Feb 12 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 238 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 93432 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026