Last spring frost
Apr 28
Frost Dates for Tehachapi, CA
First fall frost
Oct 26
Growing season
183 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Tehachapi, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 28 and the first fall frost is about Oct 26, giving roughly a 183-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 11 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 5 | May 16 | Apr 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 21 | Apr 28 | Apr 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 30 | Apr 12 | Mar 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 14 | Mar 14 | Feb 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 5 | May 31 | May 25 | May 20 | May 16 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 27 |
| 32°F | May 21 | May 11 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 11 |
| 28°F | Apr 30 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 25 | Mar 14 |
| 24°F | Apr 14 | Apr 6 | Mar 30 | Mar 22 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 21 | Feb 10 |
| 20°F | Mar 20 | Mar 5 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 3 | Jan 26 | Jan 10 | Dec 24 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 12 | Feb 3 | Jan 24 | Jan 11 | Jan 3 | Dec 27 | Dec 14 |
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) | Sep 26 | Oct 10 | Nov 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 4 | Oct 26 | Nov 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 16 | Dec 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 9 | Dec 4 | Dec 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Nov 1 |
| 32°F | Oct 4 | Oct 11 | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 17 |
| 28°F | Oct 22 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 |
| 24°F | Nov 9 | Nov 20 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 22 | Feb 8 |
| 16°F | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 13 | Jan 26 | Feb 9 | Feb 22 |
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: Tehachapi 4 Se, Ca, about 8.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,220 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 Tehachapi, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Tehachapi, CA is about Apr 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 11.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Tehachapi, CA typically arrives about Oct 26. 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 28 on average, or Apr 11 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 183 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 93581 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026