Last spring frost
May 15
Frost Dates for Lake City, CA
First fall frost
Oct 1
Growing season
137 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Lake City, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 15 and the first fall frost is about Oct 1, giving roughly a 137-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 28 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 19 | Jun 3 | May 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 6 | May 15 | Apr 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 16 | Apr 27 | Apr 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 29 | Apr 12 | Mar 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 19 | Jun 14 | Jun 10 | Jun 7 | Jun 3 | Jun 1 | May 27 | May 21 | May 14 |
| 32°F | Jun 6 | May 31 | May 26 | May 20 | May 15 | May 10 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 28 |
| 28°F | May 16 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 12 |
| 24°F | Apr 29 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 23 |
| 20°F | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 |
| 16°F | Mar 22 | Mar 14 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 13 | Feb 2 |
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 20 | Oct 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 16 | Oct 1 | Oct 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 29 | Oct 13 | Oct 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 10 | Oct 25 | Nov 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 5 | Sep 10 | Sep 13 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 22 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Oct 3 |
| 32°F | Sep 16 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 16 |
| 28°F | Sep 29 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 28 |
| 24°F | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 20°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 |
| 16°F | Nov 1 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 9 |
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: Cedarville, Ca, about 12.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,688 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 Lake City, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lake City, CA is about May 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Lake City, CA typically arrives about Oct 1. 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 15 on average, or Apr 28 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 137 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 96115 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026