Last spring frost
Jun 4
Frost Dates for Tahoma, CA
First fall frost
Oct 3
Growing season
120 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Tahoma, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 4 and the first fall frost is about Oct 3, giving roughly a 120-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 19 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 20 | Jun 4 | May 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 4 | May 15 | Apr 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 17 | Apr 28 | Apr 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Jun 20 | Jun 13 | Jun 10 | Jun 7 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 29 | May 24 | May 19 |
| 28°F | Jun 4 | May 28 | May 24 | May 20 | May 15 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 29 |
| 24°F | May 17 | May 10 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 11 |
| 20°F | May 2 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 19 |
| 16°F | Apr 15 | Apr 8 | Apr 3 | Mar 27 | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 20 |
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) | Sep 17 | Oct 3 | Oct 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 2 | Oct 16 | Nov 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 14 | Nov 1 | Nov 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Sep 17 | Sep 23 | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 |
| 28°F | Oct 2 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 2 |
| 24°F | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 |
| 20°F | Oct 26 | Nov 3 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 |
| 16°F | Nov 15 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | 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: Tahoma, Ca, about 4.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 6,315 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 Tahoma, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Tahoma, CA is about Jun 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 19.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Tahoma, CA typically arrives about Oct 3. 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 4 on average, or May 19 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 120 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 96142 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026