Last spring frost
Apr 1
Frost Dates for Rackerby, CA
First fall frost
Nov 17
Growing season
229 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Rackerby, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 1 and the first fall frost is about Nov 17, giving roughly a 229-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 4 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 12 | Apr 23 | Apr 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 22 | Apr 1 | Mar 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 27 | Feb 27 | Jan 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 28 | Feb 1 | Dec 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 12 | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 4 |
| 32°F | Apr 22 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 4 |
| 28°F | Mar 27 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 6 | Jan 24 |
| 24°F | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 9 | Feb 1 | Jan 22 | Jan 13 | Jan 3 | Dec 25 |
| 20°F | Feb 23 | Feb 12 | Jan 31 | Jan 20 | Jan 12 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 | Dec 12 |
| 16°F | Feb 9 | Jan 18 | Jan 13 | Jan 5 | Jan 2 | Dec 31 | Dec 28 | Dec 19 | Dec 8 |
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 12 | Nov 1 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 17 | Dec 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 1 | Dec 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 25 | Dec 18 | Jan 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 12 | Oct 19 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 |
| 28°F | Nov 14 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 29 |
| 24°F | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 8 | Jan 24 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 13 | Jan 25 | Feb 11 |
| 16°F | Dec 7 | Dec 15 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 3 | Jan 10 | Jan 17 | Jan 30 |
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: Dobbins 1 S, Ca, about 10.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,640 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 Rackerby, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Rackerby, CA is about Apr 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Rackerby, CA typically arrives about Nov 17. 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 1 on average, or Mar 4 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 229 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 95914 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026