Last spring frost
Mar 12
Frost Dates for Etna, CA
First fall frost
Nov 26
Growing season
262 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Etna, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 12 and the first fall frost is about Nov 26, giving roughly a 262-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 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) | May 2 | Apr 12 | Mar 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 12 | Jan 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 3 | Jan 28 | Dec 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Jan 29 | Dec 31 | Nov 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 2 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 22 |
| 32°F | Apr 9 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 | Feb 14 | Jan 26 |
| 28°F | Mar 3 | Feb 24 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Jan 28 | Jan 15 | Jan 6 | Dec 30 | Dec 13 |
| 24°F | Jan 29 | Jan 20 | Jan 12 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 27 | Dec 17 | Dec 9 | Nov 29 |
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 17 | Nov 5 | Nov 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 26 | Dec 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 17 | Jan 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 21 | Dec 22 | Jan 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 20 | Nov 27 |
| 32°F | Oct 31 | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 |
| 28°F | Nov 16 | Nov 28 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 10 | Jan 31 |
| 24°F | Nov 21 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 2 | Jan 10 | Jan 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: Orleans, Ca, about 16.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 403 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 Etna, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Etna, CA is about Mar 12. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Etna, CA typically arrives about Nov 26. 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 Mar 12 on average, or Jan 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 262 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 96027 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026