Last spring frost
Feb 8
Frost Dates for Redding, CA
First fall frost
Dec 28
Growing season
322 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Redding, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 8 and the first fall frost is about Dec 28, giving roughly a 322-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 26 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) | Apr 16 | Mar 19 | Feb 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 28 | Feb 8 | Dec 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 14 | Jan 18 | Dec 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 16 | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 19 | Mar 10 | Mar 1 | Feb 20 | Feb 6 |
| 32°F | Mar 28 | Mar 11 | Mar 1 | Feb 20 | Feb 8 | Jan 29 | Jan 16 | Jan 5 | Dec 26 |
| 28°F | Mar 14 | Feb 28 | Feb 14 | Jan 31 | Jan 18 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 23 | Dec 14 |
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) | Nov 16 | Dec 6 | Dec 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Dec 1 | Dec 28 | Feb 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 10 | Jan 4 | Mar 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 16 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 30 |
| 32°F | Dec 1 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 9 | Jan 24 | Feb 18 |
| 28°F | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 21 | Feb 5 | Feb 25 | Mar 10 |
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: Shasta Dam, Ca, about 6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,075 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 Redding, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Redding, CA is about Feb 8. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Redding, CA typically arrives about Dec 28. 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 8 on average, or Dec 26 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 322 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 96003 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026