Last spring frost
Apr 23
Frost Dates for Gonzales, CA
First fall frost
Nov 3
Growing season
189 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Gonzales, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 23 and the first fall frost is about Nov 3, giving roughly a 189-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 23 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 | May 28 | Apr 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 4 | Apr 23 | Mar 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 29 | Mar 12 | Jan 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 21 | Jan 30 | Dec 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 30 | Jun 17 | Jun 7 | Jun 2 | May 28 | May 23 | May 13 | May 3 | Apr 27 |
| 32°F | Jun 4 | May 23 | May 11 | Apr 30 | Apr 23 | Apr 16 | Apr 9 | Apr 3 | Mar 23 |
| 28°F | Apr 29 | Apr 8 | Apr 1 | Mar 22 | Mar 12 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 | Feb 15 | Jan 31 |
| 24°F | Mar 21 | Feb 28 | Feb 18 | Feb 5 | Jan 30 | Jan 20 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 | Dec 20 |
| 20°F | Feb 14 | Jan 28 | Jan 18 | Jan 8 | Jan 2 | Dec 30 | Dec 24 | Dec 15 | Dec 3 |
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 1 | Oct 12 | Nov 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 7 | Nov 3 | Nov 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 22 | Dec 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 12 | Jan 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 1 | Sep 19 | Sep 30 | Oct 6 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Nov 3 |
| 32°F | Oct 7 | Oct 19 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 22 |
| 28°F | Nov 1 | Nov 7 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 16 |
| 24°F | Nov 18 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 27 | Jan 3 | Jan 20 |
| 20°F | Nov 29 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 14 | Jan 30 |
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: Pinnacles Nm, Ca, about 12.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,307 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 Gonzales, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gonzales, CA is about Apr 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gonzales, CA typically arrives about Nov 3. 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 23 on average, or Mar 23 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 189 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 93926 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026