Last spring frost
Apr 3
Frost Dates for Meadow Vista, CA
First fall frost
Nov 24
Growing season
233 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Meadow Vista, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 3 and the first fall frost is about Nov 24, giving roughly a 233-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 28 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 17 | Apr 23 | Apr 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 29 | Apr 3 | Feb 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 6 | Feb 21 | Jan 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 17 | Jan 9 | Dec 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 17 | May 7 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 3 |
| 32°F | Apr 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 | Mar 21 | Mar 14 | Feb 28 |
| 28°F | Apr 6 | Mar 25 | Mar 9 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 3 | Jan 21 | Jan 5 |
| 24°F | Feb 17 | Feb 4 | Jan 27 | Jan 18 | Jan 9 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 21 | Dec 10 |
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 18 | Nov 7 | Nov 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 24 | Dec 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 21 | Dec 13 | Jan 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 1 | Jan 1 | Feb 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 18 | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 |
| 32°F | Nov 2 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 |
| 28°F | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 14 |
| 24°F | Dec 1 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 13 | Jan 24 | 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: Colfax, Ca, about 7.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,380 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 Meadow Vista, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Meadow Vista, CA is about Apr 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Meadow Vista, CA typically arrives about Nov 24. 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 3 on average, or Feb 28 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 233 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 95703 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026