Last spring frost
Mar 5
Frost Dates for Manchester, CA
First fall frost
Nov 21
Growing season
259 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Manchester, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 5 and the first fall frost is about Nov 21, giving roughly a 259-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 29 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) | Apr 30 | Apr 12 | Mar 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 7 | Mar 5 | Jan 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 28 | Jan 27 | Dec 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Jan 31 | Dec 31 | Dec 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 18 |
| 32°F | Apr 7 | Mar 29 | Mar 19 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 15 | Jan 29 |
| 28°F | Feb 28 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 27 | Jan 17 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 | Dec 22 |
| 24°F | Jan 31 | Jan 20 | Jan 10 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 27 | Dec 22 | Dec 17 | Dec 9 |
| 20°F | Jan 11 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 30 | Dec 27 | Dec 24 | 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 14 | Nov 2 | Nov 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 21 | Dec 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 5 | Jan 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 28 | Dec 15 | Jan 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 14 | Oct 20 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 22 |
| 32°F | Nov 2 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 9 |
| 28°F | Nov 15 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Jan 8 |
| 24°F | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 26 | Jan 3 | Jan 20 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 28 | Dec 31 | Jan 6 |
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: Ukiah Muni Ap, Ca, about 24 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 601 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 Manchester, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Manchester, CA is about Mar 5. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Manchester, CA typically arrives about Nov 21. 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 5 on average, or Jan 29 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 259 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 95459 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026