Last spring frost
Mar 11
Frost Dates for Ridgecrest, CA
First fall frost
Nov 12
Growing season
244 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Ridgecrest, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 11 and the first fall frost is about Nov 12, giving roughly a 244-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 18 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 22 | Apr 3 | Mar 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 11 | Feb 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 9 | Feb 20 | Jan 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 25 | Jan 31 | Jan 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 22 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 11 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 2 | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 18 |
| 28°F | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 29 |
| 24°F | Feb 25 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 27 | Jan 21 | Jan 14 | Jan 2 |
| 20°F | Feb 6 | Jan 30 | Jan 21 | Jan 15 | Jan 9 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 26 | Dec 15 |
| 16°F | Jan 22 | Jan 13 | Jan 8 | Jan 3 | 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 21 | Nov 2 | Nov 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 12 | Nov 25 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 23 | Dec 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 4 | Dec 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 |
| 24°F | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 26 |
| 20°F | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 10 |
| 16°F | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Dec 30 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 14 |
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: China Lake Naf, Ca, about 7.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,230 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 Ridgecrest, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ridgecrest, CA is about Mar 11. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 18.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ridgecrest, CA typically arrives about Nov 12. 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 11 on average, or Feb 18 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 244 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 93555 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026