Last spring frost
May 20
Frost Dates for Gazelle, CA
First fall frost
Oct 5
Growing season
135 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Gazelle, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 20 and the first fall frost is about Oct 5, giving roughly a 135-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 2 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) | Jul 2 | Jun 11 | May 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 12 | May 20 | May 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 21 | Apr 28 | Apr 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 27 | Mar 31 | Feb 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jul 2 | Jun 23 | Jun 18 | Jun 15 | Jun 11 | Jun 8 | Jun 4 | May 31 | May 24 |
| 32°F | Jun 12 | Jun 5 | May 31 | May 25 | May 20 | May 16 | May 11 | May 7 | May 2 |
| 28°F | May 21 | May 11 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 14 | Apr 6 |
| 24°F | Apr 27 | Apr 15 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 20 | Mar 13 | Feb 28 |
| 20°F | Mar 29 | Mar 18 | Mar 8 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 10 | Feb 1 | Jan 17 |
| 16°F | Feb 26 | Feb 17 | Feb 5 | Jan 29 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 19 |
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 4 | Sep 17 | Oct 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 20 | Oct 5 | Oct 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 22 | Nov 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 7 | Nov 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 4 | Sep 9 | Sep 12 | Sep 15 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 3 |
| 32°F | Sep 20 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 22 |
| 28°F | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 10 |
| 24°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 |
| 20°F | Nov 4 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 23 |
| 16°F | Nov 21 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 3 | Jan 15 |
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: Callahan, Ca, about 13.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,085 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 Gazelle, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gazelle, CA is about May 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gazelle, CA typically arrives about Oct 5. 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 May 20 on average, or May 2 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 135 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 96034 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026