Last spring frost
Mar 15
Frost Dates for California City, CA
First fall frost
Nov 17
Growing season
241 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around California City, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 15 and the first fall frost is about Nov 17, giving roughly a 241-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 21 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 11 | Mar 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 17 | Mar 15 | Feb 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 22 | Feb 22 | Jan 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 26 | Jan 30 | Dec 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 6 | Apr 30 | Apr 24 | Apr 18 | Apr 11 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 22 | Mar 12 |
| 32°F | Apr 17 | Apr 6 | Mar 29 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 |
| 28°F | Mar 22 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 18 | Feb 13 | Feb 3 | Jan 25 |
| 24°F | Feb 26 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 16 | Jan 8 | Dec 30 |
| 20°F | Feb 12 | Feb 3 | Jan 25 | Jan 16 | Jan 11 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 26 | Dec 16 |
| 16°F | Feb 5 | Jan 22 | Jan 13 | Jan 8 | Jan 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 29 | Dec 23 | Dec 13 |
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 22 | Nov 5 | Nov 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 17 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 12 | Nov 30 | Dec 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 26 | Dec 13 | Jan 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 |
| 24°F | Nov 26 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 8 |
| 20°F | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 27 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 14 | Feb 2 |
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: Mojave, Ca, about 12.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,735 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 California City, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around California City, CA is about Mar 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 21.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around California City, CA typically arrives about Nov 17. 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 21 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 241 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 93505 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026