Last spring frost
Jun 1
Frost Dates for Big Creek, CA
First fall frost
Oct 6
Growing season
129 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around Big Creek, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 1 and the first fall frost is about Oct 6, giving roughly a 129-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 13 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 30 | Jun 13 | Jun 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 18 | Jun 1 | May 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 4 | May 12 | Apr 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 18 | Apr 27 | Apr 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 30 | Jun 23 | Jun 19 | Jun 16 | Jun 13 | Jun 10 | Jun 7 | Jun 5 | Jun 1 |
| 32°F | Jun 18 | Jun 11 | Jun 7 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 29 | May 24 | May 18 | May 13 |
| 28°F | Jun 4 | May 29 | May 23 | May 17 | May 12 | May 8 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 24 |
| 24°F | May 18 | May 9 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 9 |
| 20°F | Apr 30 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 29 | Mar 17 |
| 16°F | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 17 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 21 |
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 4 | Sep 21 | Oct 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 19 | Oct 6 | Oct 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 2 | Oct 25 | Nov 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 10 | Dec 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 4 | Sep 9 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 2 | Oct 9 |
| 32°F | Sep 19 | Sep 25 | Sep 29 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 21 | Oct 30 |
| 28°F | Oct 2 | Oct 7 | Oct 13 | Oct 19 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 15 |
| 24°F | Oct 19 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 4 | Nov 13 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 |
| 16°F | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 31 | 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: Huntington Lake, Ca, about 12.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 7,020 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 Big Creek, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Big Creek, CA is about Jun 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 13.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Big Creek, CA typically arrives about Oct 6. 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 13 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 129 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 93634 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026