Last spring frost
Apr 17
Frost Dates for Stirling City, CA
First fall frost
Nov 11
Growing season
206 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Stirling City, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 17 and the first fall frost is about Nov 11, giving roughly a 206-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 23 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 1 | May 5 | Apr 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 11 | Apr 17 | Mar 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 20 | Mar 20 | Feb 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 23 | Feb 3 | Dec 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 1 | May 25 | May 16 | May 10 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 17 |
| 32°F | May 11 | May 1 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 2 | Mar 23 |
| 28°F | Apr 20 | Apr 10 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 | Mar 20 | Mar 11 | Mar 3 | Feb 22 | Feb 5 |
| 24°F | Mar 23 | Mar 4 | Feb 24 | Feb 15 | Feb 3 | Jan 21 | Jan 8 | Dec 29 | Dec 13 |
| 20°F | Feb 27 | Feb 16 | Jan 28 | Jan 15 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 22 | Dec 15 | Dec 6 |
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 4 | Oct 28 | Nov 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 11 | Nov 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 6 | Nov 27 | Dec 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 19 | Dec 19 | Feb 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 4 | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 |
| 32°F | Oct 21 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 |
| 28°F | Nov 6 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 |
| 24°F | Nov 19 | Nov 28 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 | Jan 3 | Jan 18 | Feb 9 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 17 | Jan 30 | Feb 21 |
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: De Sabla, Ca, about 5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,710 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 Stirling City, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Stirling City, CA is about Apr 17. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Stirling City, CA typically arrives about Nov 11. 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 17 on average, or Mar 23 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 206 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 95978 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026