Last spring frost
Jun 14
Frost Dates for Likely, CA
First fall frost
Sep 18
Growing season
94 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Likely, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 14 and the first fall frost is about Sep 18, giving roughly a 94-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 26 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) | Jul 3 | Jun 14 | May 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 24 | May 30 | May 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Jun 5 | May 4 | Apr 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Jul 3 | Jun 26 | Jun 21 | Jun 17 | Jun 14 | Jun 10 | Jun 6 | Jun 2 | May 26 |
| 28°F | Jun 24 | Jun 14 | Jun 6 | Jun 2 | May 30 | May 23 | May 18 | May 11 | May 5 |
| 24°F | Jun 5 | May 26 | May 16 | May 9 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 16 |
| 20°F | May 10 | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Mar 28 |
| 16°F | Apr 20 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 4 |
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 31 | Sep 18 | Oct 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 14 | Oct 1 | Oct 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 28 | Oct 15 | Nov 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Aug 31 | Sep 5 | Sep 10 | Sep 14 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 3 |
| 28°F | Sep 14 | Sep 20 | Sep 25 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 |
| 24°F | Sep 28 | Oct 3 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Nov 2 |
| 20°F | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 18 |
| 16°F | Oct 24 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Dec 2 |
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: Jess Valley, Ca, about 7.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 5,400 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 Likely, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Likely, CA is about Jun 14. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Likely, CA typically arrives about Sep 18. 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 14 on average, or May 26 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 94 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 96116 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026