Last spring frost
Feb 15
Frost Dates for Searles Valley, CA
First fall frost
Nov 28
Growing season
285 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Searles Valley, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 15 and the first fall frost is about Nov 28, giving roughly a 285-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 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) | Apr 4 | Mar 4 | Feb 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 4 | Feb 15 | Jan 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 19 | Jan 23 | Dec 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 7 | Jan 7 | Dec 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 4 | Mar 24 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 12 |
| 32°F | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 |
| 28°F | Feb 19 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 | Jan 16 | Jan 10 | Jan 4 | Dec 29 |
| 24°F | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 | Jan 12 | Jan 7 | Jan 2 | Dec 30 | Dec 23 | Dec 13 |
| 20°F | Feb 4 | Jan 27 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 25 | Dec 19 | Nov 17 |
| 16°F | Feb 13 | Feb 2 | Jan 22 | Jan 9 | Jan 2 | Dec 23 | Nov 18 | Nov 13 | Nov 8 |
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) | Nov 3 | Nov 17 | Dec 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 11 | Nov 28 | Dec 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 10 | Jan 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 25 | Dec 23 | Jan 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 |
| 32°F | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 |
| 28°F | Nov 18 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Jan 2 |
| 24°F | Nov 25 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 23 |
| 20°F | Nov 11 | Dec 4 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 15 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Dec 11 | Dec 31 | Jan 2 | Jan 14 | Jan 30 | Feb 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: Trona, Ca, about 6.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,695 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 Searles Valley, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Searles Valley, CA is about Feb 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 21.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Searles Valley, CA typically arrives about Nov 28. 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 Feb 15 on average, or Jan 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 285 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 93562 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026