Last spring frost
Jun 10
Frost Dates for Paynes Creek, CA
First fall frost
Sep 13
Growing season
96 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Paynes Creek, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 10 and the first fall frost is about Sep 13, giving roughly a 96-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 24 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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 28 | Jun 10 | May 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 9 | May 19 | Apr 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 20 | Apr 26 | Apr 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Jun 28 | Jun 22 | Jun 17 | Jun 14 | Jun 10 | Jun 6 | Jun 2 | May 30 | May 24 |
| 28°F | Jun 9 | Jun 2 | May 30 | May 24 | May 19 | May 14 | May 9 | May 4 | Apr 29 |
| 24°F | May 20 | May 10 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 |
| 20°F | Apr 28 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 15 |
| 16°F | Apr 15 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 23 | Mar 15 | Mar 9 | Mar 1 | Feb 18 |
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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Aug 22 | Sep 13 | Oct 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 14 | Oct 7 | Oct 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 9 | Oct 31 | Nov 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Aug 22 | Aug 29 | Sep 4 | Sep 8 | Sep 13 | Sep 17 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Oct 3 |
| 28°F | Sep 14 | Sep 23 | Sep 28 | Oct 2 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 26 |
| 24°F | Oct 9 | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 20 |
| 20°F | Oct 29 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 |
| 16°F | Nov 12 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 |
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: Mineral, Ca, about 14.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,875 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 Paynes Creek, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Paynes Creek, CA is about Jun 10. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 24.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Paynes Creek, CA typically arrives about Sep 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 Jun 10 on average, or May 24 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 96 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 96075 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026