Last spring frost
Jun 3
Frost Dates for Big Bend, CA
First fall frost
Sep 14
Growing season
102 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Big Bend, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 3 and the first fall frost is about Sep 14, giving roughly a 102-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 15 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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 19 | Jun 3 | May 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 3 | May 13 | Apr 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 13 | Apr 20 | Apr 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Jun 19 | Jun 14 | Jun 10 | Jun 7 | Jun 3 | Jun 1 | May 28 | May 21 | May 15 |
| 28°F | Jun 3 | May 28 | May 22 | May 17 | May 13 | May 8 | May 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 |
| 24°F | May 13 | May 5 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 1 |
| 20°F | Apr 19 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 3 |
| 16°F | Mar 26 | Mar 18 | Mar 10 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 | Jan 30 |
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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 1 | Sep 14 | Sep 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 13 | Oct 1 | Oct 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 3 | Oct 19 | Nov 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Sep 1 | Sep 6 | Sep 9 | Sep 12 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 19 | Sep 22 | Sep 27 |
| 28°F | Sep 13 | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 17 |
| 24°F | Oct 3 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 |
| 20°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 |
| 16°F | Nov 1 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 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: Burney, Ca, about 17.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,198 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 Big Bend, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Big Bend, CA is about Jun 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Big Bend, CA typically arrives about Sep 14. 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 Jun 3 on average, or May 15 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 102 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 96011 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026