Last spring frost
May 17
Frost Dates for Tahoe Vista, CA
First fall frost
Oct 13
Growing season
148 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Tahoe Vista, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 17 and the first fall frost is about Oct 13, giving roughly a 148-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 30 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 20 | Jun 3 | May 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 4 | May 17 | Apr 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 19 | Apr 28 | Apr 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 2 | Apr 11 | Mar 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 20 | Jun 13 | Jun 10 | Jun 6 | Jun 3 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 25 | May 18 |
| 32°F | Jun 4 | May 31 | May 26 | May 22 | May 17 | May 14 | May 10 | May 6 | Apr 30 |
| 28°F | May 19 | May 12 | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 |
| 24°F | May 2 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 18 |
| 20°F | Apr 12 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 22 |
| 16°F | Mar 24 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 24 |
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 19 | Oct 3 | Oct 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 30 | Oct 13 | Oct 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 28 | Nov 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 13 | Dec 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 19 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 |
| 32°F | Sep 30 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 30 |
| 28°F | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 15 |
| 24°F | Oct 21 | Oct 30 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 10 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 |
| 16°F | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 10 |
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: Incline Village, Nv, about 6.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 6,356 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 Tahoe Vista, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Tahoe Vista, CA is about May 17. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 30.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Tahoe Vista, 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 17 on average, or Apr 30 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 148 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 96148 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026