Last spring frost
Apr 24
Frost Dates for North Fork, CA
First fall frost
Nov 4
Growing season
192 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around North Fork, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 24 and the first fall frost is about Nov 4, giving roughly a 192-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 7 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 6 | May 13 | Apr 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 14 | Apr 24 | Apr 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 5 | Mar 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 1 | Jan 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 6 | May 31 | May 25 | May 18 | May 13 | May 9 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 |
| 32°F | May 14 | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 |
| 28°F | Apr 23 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 18 | Mar 9 |
| 24°F | Apr 2 | Mar 26 | Mar 16 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 7 | Jan 27 |
| 20°F | Mar 4 | Feb 24 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 12 | Jan 4 | Dec 25 |
| 16°F | Feb 11 | Jan 28 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 26 | Dec 20 | Dec 9 |
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 1 | Oct 20 | Nov 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 14 | Nov 4 | Nov 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 20 | Dec 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 4 | Dec 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 1 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 |
| 32°F | Oct 14 | Oct 21 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 |
| 28°F | Oct 30 | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 24°F | Nov 14 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 28 |
| 20°F | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jan 26 |
| 16°F | Dec 5 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 15 | Jan 29 |
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: N Fk Rs, Ca, about 2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,645 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 North Fork, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around North Fork, CA is about Apr 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around North Fork, CA typically arrives about Nov 4. 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 24 on average, or Apr 7 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 192 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 93643 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026