Harman US

Frost Dates for Dogtown, CA

Last spring frost
Jan 22
First fall frost
Dec 17
Growing season
332 days
Hardiness zone
9b

In an average year around Dogtown, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 22 and the first fall frost is about Dec 17, giving roughly a 332-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 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.

Last spring frost - Dogtown, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 11 Mar 10 Feb 2
Freeze (32°F) Mar 1 Jan 22 Dec 23
Hard (28°F) Jan 29 Dec 31 Dec 14
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 11 Apr 2 Mar 26 Mar 17 Mar 10 Mar 3 Feb 25 Feb 15 Feb 2
32°F Mar 1 Feb 20 Feb 8 Jan 30 Jan 22 Jan 14 Jan 6 Dec 31 Dec 23
28°F Jan 29 Jan 18 Jan 8 Jan 4 Dec 31 Dec 29 Dec 25 Dec 20 Dec 14

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.

First fall frost - Dogtown, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Nov 15 Dec 3 Dec 23
Freeze (32°F) Dec 1 Dec 17 Jan 17
Hard (28°F) Dec 9 Dec 27 Jan 25
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Nov 15 Nov 21 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 3 Dec 6 Dec 10 Dec 15 Dec 23
32°F Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 13 Dec 17 Dec 21 Dec 28 Jan 3 Jan 17
28°F Dec 9 Dec 15 Dec 19 Dec 23 Dec 27 Dec 31 Jan 4 Jan 11 Jan 25

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

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Camp Pardee, Ca, about 11.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 658 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
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 Dogtown, CA?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Dogtown, CA is about Jan 22. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 23.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Dogtown, CA typically arrives about Dec 17. 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 Jan 22 on average, or Dec 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 332 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 95227 Planting calendar → California frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026