Last spring frost
Mar 2
Frost Dates for Fort Bragg, CA
First fall frost
Dec 1
Growing season
272 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Fort Bragg, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 2 and the first fall frost is about Dec 1, giving roughly a 272-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 8 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 11 | Apr 16 | Mar 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 6 | Mar 2 | Jan 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 21 | Jan 7 | Dec 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 11 | May 1 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 3 | Mar 26 |
| 32°F | Apr 6 | Mar 28 | Mar 18 | Mar 9 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 | Feb 14 | Jan 30 | Jan 8 |
| 28°F | Feb 21 | Feb 5 | Jan 25 | Jan 15 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Dec 26 | Dec 18 | Dec 5 |
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 13 | Nov 6 | Nov 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 9 | Dec 1 | Jan 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 22 | Dec 21 | Feb 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 13 | Oct 23 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 30 |
| 32°F | Nov 9 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 22 | Jan 11 |
| 28°F | Nov 22 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 4 | Jan 16 | Feb 4 |
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: Ft Bragg 5 N, Ca, about 5.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 123 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 Fort Bragg, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fort Bragg, CA is about Mar 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Fort Bragg, CA typically arrives about Dec 1. 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 2 on average, or Jan 8 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 272 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 95437 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026