Last spring frost
Apr 23
Frost Dates for Douglas City, CA
First fall frost
Oct 22
Growing season
178 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Douglas City, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 23 and the first fall frost is about Oct 22, giving roughly a 178-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 3 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 11 | Apr 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 11 | Apr 23 | Apr 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 19 | Mar 28 | Feb 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 23 | Feb 14 | Dec 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 1 | May 26 | May 20 | May 16 | May 11 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 |
| 32°F | May 11 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 3 |
| 28°F | Apr 19 | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Feb 22 |
| 24°F | Mar 23 | Mar 11 | Mar 1 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 24 | Jan 8 | Dec 25 |
| 20°F | Feb 20 | Feb 8 | Jan 25 | Jan 14 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 26 | Dec 13 | Nov 30 |
| 16°F | Jan 19 | Jan 10 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 28 | Dec 21 | Dec 16 | Dec 8 | Dec 1 |
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) | Sep 21 | Oct 4 | Oct 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 4 | Oct 22 | Nov 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 17 | Nov 6 | Dec 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Dec 5 | Jan 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 21 | Sep 27 | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 22 |
| 32°F | Oct 4 | Oct 9 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 13 |
| 28°F | Oct 17 | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 14 | Nov 22 | Nov 30 | Dec 9 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 10 | Nov 20 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 21 | Jan 1 | Jan 28 |
| 20°F | Nov 17 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 13 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 7 | Jan 20 | Feb 9 |
| 16°F | Nov 27 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | Jan 14 |
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: Trinity Rvr Hatchery, Ca, about 13.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,861 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 Douglas City, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Douglas City, CA is about Apr 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 3.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Douglas City, CA typically arrives about Oct 22. 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 23 on average, or Apr 3 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 178 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 96024 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026