Last spring frost
May 8
Frost Dates for San Lucas, CA
First fall frost
Oct 22
Growing season
165 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around San Lucas, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 8 and the first fall frost is about Oct 22, giving roughly a 165-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 20 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 16 | May 31 | May 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 29 | May 8 | Apr 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 8 | Apr 15 | Mar 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 10 | Jan 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 16 | Jun 9 | Jun 6 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 27 | May 24 | May 19 | May 12 |
| 32°F | May 29 | May 23 | May 17 | May 13 | May 8 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 20 |
| 28°F | May 8 | May 1 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 23 |
| 24°F | Apr 12 | Apr 5 | Mar 28 | Mar 18 | Mar 10 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 8 | Jan 26 |
| 20°F | Mar 1 | Feb 21 | Feb 9 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 17 | Jan 6 | Dec 29 | Dec 15 |
| 16°F | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 23 | Dec 14 | 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 8 | Oct 3 | Oct 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 22 | Nov 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 5 | Nov 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 21 | Dec 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 8 | Sep 19 | Sep 26 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 17 | Oct 23 |
| 32°F | Oct 1 | Oct 7 | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 |
| 28°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 25 |
| 24°F | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 17 |
| 20°F | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 13 | Dec 23 | Jan 2 | Jan 16 |
| 16°F | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 13 | Feb 1 |
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: Priest Valley, Ca, about 11.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,300 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 San Lucas, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around San Lucas, CA is about May 8. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 20.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around San Lucas, CA typically arrives about Oct 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 May 8 on average, or Apr 20 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 165 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 93954 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026