Last spring frost
Apr 5
Frost Dates for Paskenta, CA
First fall frost
Nov 13
Growing season
220 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Paskenta, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 5 and the first fall frost is about Nov 13, giving roughly a 220-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 8 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 12 | Apr 24 | Apr 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 24 | Apr 5 | Mar 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 5 | Mar 1 | Jan 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 28 | Jan 13 | Dec 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 12 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 |
| 32°F | Apr 24 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 18 | Mar 8 |
| 28°F | Apr 5 | Mar 26 | Mar 15 | Mar 7 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 2 | Jan 16 |
| 24°F | Feb 28 | Feb 13 | Feb 1 | Jan 24 | Jan 13 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 25 | Dec 15 |
| 20°F | Feb 8 | Jan 23 | Jan 11 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 28 | Dec 22 | Dec 16 | Dec 10 |
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 13 | Oct 31 | Nov 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 13 | Nov 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 29 | Dec 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 21 | Dec 13 | Jan 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 13 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 |
| 32°F | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 |
| 28°F | Nov 8 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 19 |
| 24°F | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 17 |
| 20°F | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 15 | Jan 29 |
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: Stony Gorge Rsvr, Ca, about 19.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 800 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 Paskenta, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Paskenta, CA is about Apr 5. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Paskenta, CA typically arrives about Nov 13. 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 5 on average, or Mar 8 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 220 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 96074 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026