Last spring frost
Apr 6
Frost Dates for Lake Hughes, CA
First fall frost
Nov 29
Growing season
236 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Lake Hughes, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 6 and the first fall frost is about Nov 29, giving roughly a 236-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 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) | Jun 1 | Apr 30 | Mar 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 20 | Apr 6 | Feb 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 1 | Feb 25 | Jan 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 17 | Jan 20 | Dec 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 1 | May 23 | May 15 | May 6 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 17 | Apr 10 | Mar 28 |
| 32°F | May 20 | May 6 | Apr 25 | Apr 14 | Apr 6 | Mar 27 | Mar 14 | Mar 5 | Feb 20 |
| 28°F | May 1 | Apr 5 | Mar 17 | Mar 4 | Feb 25 | Feb 14 | Feb 2 | Jan 22 | Jan 6 |
| 24°F | Mar 17 | Feb 22 | Feb 6 | Jan 29 | Jan 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 1 | Dec 27 | Dec 16 |
| 20°F | Feb 8 | Jan 28 | Jan 23 | Jan 13 | Jan 6 | Jan 2 | Dec 29 | Dec 20 | 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 24 | Nov 13 | Dec 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 29 | Dec 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 20 | Dec 10 | Jan 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 29 | Dec 29 | Feb 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 24 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 |
| 32°F | Nov 5 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 15 |
| 28°F | Nov 20 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 7 |
| 24°F | Nov 29 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 11 | Jan 27 | Feb 15 |
| 20°F | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 8 | Jan 17 | Jan 26 | Feb 7 |
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: Fairmont, Ca, about 6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,060 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 Lake Hughes, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lake Hughes, CA is about Apr 6. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Lake Hughes, CA typically arrives about Nov 29. 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 6 on average, or Feb 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 236 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 93532 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026