Last spring frost
May 28
Frost Dates for McCloud, CA
First fall frost
Sep 30
Growing season
123 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around McCloud, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 28 and the first fall frost is about Sep 30, giving roughly a 123-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 7 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 27 | Jun 13 | May 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 15 | May 28 | May 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 28 | May 3 | Apr 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 6 | Apr 15 | Mar 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 27 | Jun 23 | Jun 19 | Jun 16 | Jun 13 | Jun 10 | Jun 7 | Jun 4 | May 30 |
| 32°F | Jun 15 | Jun 8 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 28 | May 22 | May 18 | May 13 | May 7 |
| 28°F | May 28 | May 17 | May 12 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 |
| 24°F | May 6 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 25 |
| 20°F | Apr 18 | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 8 | Feb 28 | Feb 18 |
| 16°F | Mar 20 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 3 | Jan 23 | Jan 9 |
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) | Aug 27 | Sep 12 | Sep 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 12 | Sep 30 | Oct 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 14 | Oct 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 15 | Oct 31 | Nov 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 27 | Sep 2 | Sep 6 | Sep 9 | Sep 12 | Sep 15 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 25 |
| 32°F | Sep 12 | Sep 19 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 |
| 28°F | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 |
| 24°F | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 21 |
| 20°F | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 |
| 16°F | Nov 15 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 20 | Dec 31 |
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: Mccloud, Ca, about 11.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,233 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 McCloud, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around McCloud, CA is about May 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around McCloud, CA typically arrives about Sep 30. 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 28 on average, or May 7 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 123 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 96057 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026