Last spring frost
May 5
Frost Dates for Comptche, CA
First fall frost
Oct 9
Growing season
157 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Comptche, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 5 and the first fall frost is about Oct 9, giving roughly a 157-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 11 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 23 | Jun 1 | May 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 31 | May 5 | Apr 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 23 | Mar 31 | Feb 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 26 | Feb 11 | Dec 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 23 | Jun 16 | Jun 9 | Jun 5 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 25 | May 20 | May 14 |
| 32°F | May 31 | May 23 | May 17 | May 11 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 21 | Apr 11 |
| 28°F | Apr 23 | Apr 15 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 24 | Mar 13 | Mar 5 | Feb 18 |
| 24°F | Mar 26 | Mar 12 | Mar 1 | Feb 22 | Feb 11 | Jan 31 | Jan 15 | Jan 1 | Dec 20 |
| 20°F | Feb 12 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 25 | Dec 17 | Dec 7 | Nov 29 |
| 16°F | Jan 21 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 29 | Dec 21 | Dec 15 | Dec 10 | Dec 6 | Dec 1 |
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 | Sep 20 | Oct 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 24 | Oct 9 | Oct 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 8 | Oct 30 | Nov 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 26 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 1 | Sep 7 | Sep 11 | Sep 16 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 2 | Oct 7 |
| 32°F | Sep 24 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 31 |
| 28°F | Oct 8 | Oct 14 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 10 | Nov 18 | Nov 30 |
| 24°F | Oct 25 | Nov 2 | Nov 10 | Nov 19 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 15 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 30 | Jan 8 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 19 |
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: Willits 1 Ne, Ca, about 16.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,353 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 Comptche, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Comptche, CA is about May 5. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 11.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Comptche, CA typically arrives about Oct 9. 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 5 on average, or Apr 11 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 157 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 95427 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026