Last spring frost
Mar 28
Frost Dates for Stevinson, CA
First fall frost
Nov 14
Growing season
233 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Stevinson, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 28 and the first fall frost is about Nov 14, giving roughly a 233-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 18 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) | May 25 | Apr 29 | Apr 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 27 | Mar 28 | Feb 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 24 | Feb 12 | Jan 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 13 | Jan 12 | Dec 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 25 | May 16 | May 10 | May 3 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 6 |
| 32°F | Apr 27 | Apr 17 | Apr 10 | Apr 2 | Mar 28 | Mar 19 | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 18 |
| 28°F | Mar 24 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Jan 29 | Jan 17 | Jan 4 |
| 24°F | Feb 13 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 20 | Jan 12 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 25 | Dec 12 |
| 20°F | Jan 23 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 26 | Dec 20 | Dec 15 | Dec 4 |
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 9 | Oct 31 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 14 | Dec 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 29 | Dec 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 22 | Dec 12 | Jan 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 9 | Oct 17 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 9 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 31 |
| 24°F | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 3 | Jan 12 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 13 |
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: Merced 23 Wsw, Ca, about 5.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 78 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 Stevinson, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Stevinson, CA is about Mar 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 18.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Stevinson, CA typically arrives about Nov 14. 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 Mar 28 on average, or Feb 18 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 233 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 95374 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026