Last spring frost
Apr 4
Frost Dates for Shandon, CA
First fall frost
Nov 5
Growing season
213 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Shandon, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 4 and the first fall frost is about Nov 5, giving roughly a 213-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 2 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 17 | Apr 29 | Apr 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 27 | Apr 4 | Mar 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 31 | Feb 22 | Jan 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 22 | Jan 19 | Dec 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 17 | May 9 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 10 |
| 32°F | Apr 27 | Apr 21 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 15 | Mar 2 |
| 28°F | Mar 31 | Mar 20 | Mar 8 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Jan 30 | Jan 13 |
| 24°F | Feb 22 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 19 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Dec 25 | Dec 11 |
| 20°F | Jan 28 | Jan 14 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 29 | Dec 25 | Dec 20 | Dec 15 | Dec 5 |
| 16°F | Jan 9 | Jan 1 | Dec 30 | Dec 26 | Dec 23 | Dec 19 | Dec 14 | Dec 12 | 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 5 | Oct 21 | Nov 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 17 | Nov 5 | Nov 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 21 | Dec 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 6 | Jan 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 7 |
| 32°F | Oct 17 | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 12 |
| 24°F | Nov 16 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 26 | Jan 13 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 11 |
| 16°F | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 11 | Dec 14 | Dec 18 | Dec 22 | Dec 26 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 |
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 Muni Ap, Ca, about 20.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 810 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 Shandon, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Shandon, CA is about Apr 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Shandon, CA typically arrives about Nov 5. 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 Apr 4 on average, or Mar 2 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 213 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 93461 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026