Last spring frost
Jun 1
Frost Dates for Squaw Valley, CA
First fall frost
Oct 7
Growing season
132 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Squaw Valley, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 1 and the first fall frost is about Oct 7, giving roughly a 132-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 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 22 | Jun 9 | May 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 15 | Jun 1 | May 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 6 | May 16 | Apr 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 22 | Jun 18 | Jun 15 | Jun 11 | Jun 9 | Jun 6 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 26 |
| 32°F | Jun 15 | Jun 9 | Jun 5 | Jun 3 | Jun 1 | May 28 | May 24 | May 18 | May 11 |
| 28°F | Jun 6 | May 31 | May 26 | May 21 | May 16 | May 11 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 25 |
| 24°F | May 25 | May 14 | May 8 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 9 |
| 20°F | May 3 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 19 |
| 16°F | Apr 19 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 2 | Mar 28 | Mar 20 | Mar 10 | Mar 3 | Feb 17 |
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 7 | Sep 25 | Oct 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 19 | Oct 7 | Oct 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 21 | Nov 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 14 | Nov 6 | Nov 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 7 | Sep 13 | Sep 17 | Sep 22 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 6 | Oct 14 |
| 32°F | Sep 19 | Sep 25 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 30 |
| 28°F | Oct 1 | Oct 7 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 11 |
| 24°F | Oct 14 | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 29 |
| 20°F | Oct 28 | Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 15 |
| 16°F | Nov 14 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 5 |
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: Grant Grove, Ca, about 7.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 6,580 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 Squaw Valley, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Squaw Valley, CA is about Jun 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 11.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Squaw Valley, CA typically arrives about Oct 7. 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 Jun 1 on average, or May 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 132 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 93621 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026