Last spring frost
Mar 8
Frost Dates for McKinleyville, CA
First fall frost
Nov 30
Growing season
262 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around McKinleyville, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 8 and the first fall frost is about Nov 30, giving roughly a 262-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 13 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 15 | Apr 24 | Mar 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 15 | Mar 8 | Jan 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 26 | Jan 20 | Dec 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Jan 28 | Dec 29 | Dec 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 15 | May 7 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 18 | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Mar 28 |
| 32°F | Apr 15 | Apr 5 | Mar 28 | Mar 19 | Mar 8 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 4 | Jan 13 |
| 28°F | Feb 26 | Feb 14 | Feb 3 | Jan 28 | Jan 20 | Jan 9 | Jan 1 | Dec 25 | Dec 14 |
| 24°F | Jan 28 | Jan 18 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 29 | Dec 26 | Dec 22 | Dec 16 | Dec 11 |
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 11 | Nov 1 | Nov 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 30 | Jan 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 30 | Dec 24 | Feb 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 9 | Dec 28 | Jan 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 11 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 14 | Nov 24 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 8 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Jan 4 |
| 28°F | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 7 | Jan 21 | Feb 8 |
| 24°F | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 28 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | Jan 16 | Jan 28 |
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: Arcata Eureka Ap, Ca, about 3.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 200 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 McKinleyville, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around McKinleyville, CA is about Mar 8. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 13.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around McKinleyville, CA typically arrives about Nov 30. 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 8 on average, or Jan 13 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 262 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 95519 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026