Last spring frost
Apr 12
Frost Dates for Orick, CA
First fall frost
Nov 6
Growing season
209 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Orick, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 12 and the first fall frost is about Nov 6, giving roughly a 209-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 12 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 12 | May 13 | Apr 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 5 | Apr 12 | Mar 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 6 | Feb 27 | Jan 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 28 | Jan 23 | Dec 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 12 | Jun 2 | May 27 | May 18 | May 13 | May 9 | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 21 |
| 32°F | May 5 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 12 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 24 | Mar 12 |
| 28°F | Apr 6 | Mar 29 | Mar 19 | Mar 9 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 8 | Jan 23 | Jan 3 |
| 24°F | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 | Jan 12 | Jan 4 | Dec 29 | Dec 12 |
| 20°F | Feb 14 | Feb 2 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 21 | Jan 12 | Jan 7 | Jan 2 | Dec 30 |
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 21 | Oct 10 | Nov 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 15 | Nov 6 | Dec 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 7 | Dec 9 | Jan 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 30 | Jan 3 | Feb 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 21 | Sep 28 | Oct 2 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 21 | Oct 28 | Nov 4 |
| 32°F | Oct 15 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 12 | Nov 19 | Nov 26 | Dec 6 |
| 28°F | Nov 7 | Nov 17 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 26 | Jan 4 | Jan 26 |
| 24°F | Nov 30 | Dec 10 | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 10 | Jan 18 | Feb 1 | Feb 18 |
| 20°F | Dec 26 | Jan 2 | Jan 3 | Jan 11 | Jan 18 | Jan 20 | Jan 25 | Feb 2 | Feb 9 |
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: Orick Prairie Creek Park, Ca, about 4.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 160 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 Orick, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Orick, CA is about Apr 12. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Orick, CA typically arrives about Nov 6. 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 Apr 12 on average, or Mar 12 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 209 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 95555 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026