Last spring frost
Mar 31
Frost Dates for El Dorado Hills, CA
First fall frost
Nov 21
Growing season
237 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around El Dorado Hills, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 31 and the first fall frost is about Nov 21, giving roughly a 237-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 24 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 14 | Apr 23 | Apr 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 23 | Mar 31 | Feb 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 21 | Feb 15 | Jan 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 21 | Jan 15 | Dec 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 14 | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 |
| 32°F | Apr 23 | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 22 | Mar 12 | Mar 4 | Feb 24 |
| 28°F | Mar 21 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 26 | Jan 14 |
| 24°F | Feb 21 | Feb 9 | Feb 1 | Jan 24 | Jan 15 | Jan 9 | Jan 3 | Dec 28 | Dec 19 |
| 20°F | Jan 30 | Jan 14 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 30 | Dec 26 | Dec 21 | 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 17 | Nov 6 | Nov 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 21 | Dec 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 5 | Jan 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 1 | Dec 18 | Jan 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 |
| 32°F | Nov 1 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 7 |
| 28°F | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Jan 1 |
| 24°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 14 | Dec 18 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 11 | Jan 28 |
| 20°F | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 10 | Jan 25 |
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: Placerville, Ca, about 10 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,850 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 El Dorado Hills, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around El Dorado Hills, CA is about Mar 31. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 24.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around El Dorado Hills, 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 31 on average, or Feb 24 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 237 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 95682 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026