Last spring frost
May 4
Frost Dates for Happy Camp, CA
First fall frost
Oct 13
Growing season
160 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Happy Camp, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 4 and the first fall frost is about Oct 13, giving roughly a 160-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 15 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 15 | May 25 | May 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 23 | May 4 | Apr 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 2 | Apr 6 | Mar 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 1 | Mar 4 | Jan 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 15 | Jun 6 | Jun 2 | May 29 | May 25 | May 21 | May 16 | May 12 | May 5 |
| 32°F | May 23 | May 16 | May 11 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 15 |
| 28°F | May 2 | Apr 25 | Apr 18 | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 21 | Mar 12 |
| 24°F | Apr 1 | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 10 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 13 | Jan 31 |
| 20°F | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 | Jan 25 | Jan 12 | Jan 3 | Dec 26 | Dec 12 |
| 16°F | Jan 28 | Jan 15 | Jan 5 | Jan 1 | Dec 30 | Dec 25 | Dec 18 | Dec 10 | Dec 1 |
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 5 | Sep 26 | Oct 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 22 | Oct 13 | Oct 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 8 | Nov 1 | Nov 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 20 | Dec 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 5 | Sep 12 | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 26 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 14 |
| 32°F | Sep 22 | Sep 29 | Oct 4 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 |
| 28°F | Oct 8 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 14 | Nov 23 |
| 24°F | Oct 29 | Nov 3 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 9 | Dec 22 |
| 20°F | Nov 9 | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 | Dec 28 | Jan 7 | Jan 24 |
| 16°F | Nov 20 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | 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: Ruch, Or, about 23.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,550 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 Happy Camp, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Happy Camp, CA is about May 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Happy Camp, CA typically arrives about Oct 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 May 4 on average, or Apr 15 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 160 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 96086 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026