Harman US

Frost Dates for Esparto, CA

Last spring frost
Feb 7
First fall frost
Dec 5
Growing season
301 days
Hardiness zone
9b

In an average year around Esparto, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 7 and the first fall frost is about Dec 5, giving roughly a 301-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 9 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.

Last spring frost - Esparto, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 12 Mar 15 Feb 15
Freeze (32°F) Mar 11 Feb 7 Jan 9
Hard (28°F) Feb 2 Jan 10 Dec 14
Severe (24°F) Jan 22 Dec 31 Dec 11
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 12 Apr 3 Mar 28 Mar 22 Mar 15 Mar 9 Mar 5 Feb 27 Feb 15
32°F Mar 11 Mar 2 Feb 24 Feb 16 Feb 7 Feb 2 Jan 29 Jan 20 Jan 9
28°F Feb 2 Jan 27 Jan 21 Jan 15 Jan 10 Jan 4 Dec 31 Dec 25 Dec 14
24°F Jan 22 Jan 15 Jan 6 Jan 2 Dec 31 Dec 29 Dec 25 Dec 20 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.

First fall frost - Esparto, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Nov 4 Nov 20 Dec 5
Freeze (32°F) Nov 19 Dec 5 Jan 1
Hard (28°F) Dec 1 Dec 18 Jan 16
Severe (24°F) Dec 7 Dec 27 Jan 18
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Nov 4 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 26 Nov 29 Dec 5
32°F Nov 19 Nov 25 Nov 29 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 12 Dec 19 Jan 1
28°F Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 13 Dec 18 Dec 23 Dec 31 Jan 5 Jan 16
24°F Dec 7 Dec 13 Dec 18 Dec 24 Dec 27 Dec 30 Jan 2 Jan 7 Jan 18

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

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Woodland 1 Wnw, Ca, about 13 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 67 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
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 Esparto, CA?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Esparto, CA is about Feb 7. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 9.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Esparto, CA typically arrives about Dec 5. 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 Feb 7 on average, or Jan 9 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 301 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 95627 Planting calendar → California frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026