Last spring frost
Feb 24
Frost Dates for Caruthers, CA
First fall frost
Nov 22
Growing season
265 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Caruthers, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 24 and the first fall frost is about Nov 22, giving roughly a 265-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 23 | Apr 2 | Feb 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 30 | Feb 24 | Jan 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 25 | Jan 20 | Dec 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Jan 28 | Dec 31 | Dec 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 23 | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 27 | Mar 19 | Mar 10 | Feb 28 |
| 32°F | Mar 30 | Mar 17 | Mar 8 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 21 |
| 28°F | Feb 25 | Feb 13 | Feb 3 | Jan 28 | Jan 20 | Jan 12 | Jan 6 | Dec 30 | Dec 19 |
| 24°F | Jan 28 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Jan 2 | Dec 31 | Dec 26 | Dec 20 | Dec 15 | Dec 5 |
| 20°F | Jan 16 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Dec 30 | Dec 27 | Dec 22 | Dec 19 | Dec 14 | 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 24 | Nov 8 | Nov 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 22 | Dec 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 4 | Jan 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 28 | Dec 15 | Jan 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 |
| 32°F | Nov 3 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 |
| 28°F | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 15 | Dec 26 | Jan 8 |
| 24°F | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 15 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 11 |
| 20°F | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 18 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 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: Lemoore Reeves Nas, Ca, about 14.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 232 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 Caruthers, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Caruthers, CA is about Feb 24. 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 Caruthers, CA typically arrives about Nov 22. 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 24 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 265 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 93609 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026