California frost dates
Across California, the average last spring frost is around February 20 and the average first fall frost around December 1 - roughly 284 frost-free days. USDA zones 5a, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10a, 10b.
California spans a wide range of elevations and climates - your town’s dates can differ from the state average by two weeks or more. Look up your exact ZIP.
What these dates mean for planting in California
Counted from the average frost dates above. For every crop, see the full California planting calendar.
Frost dates by zone in California
California spans USDA zones 5a, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10a, 10b. Colder zones - usually higher or further inland - have later spring and earlier fall frosts than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
When is the last frost in California?
The statewide average last spring frost is around February 20. There is still roughly a one-in-two chance of frost on that date, so for tender plants a safer date is about two weeks later, around March 6. California covers a wide range of elevations and climates, so check your own ZIP code.
When is the first frost in California?
The average first fall frost is around December 1. Frost-tender crops such as tomatoes, peppers, beans and squash should be harvested or covered before then; an early frost two weeks sooner, around November 17, happens in roughly one year in ten.
How long is the growing season in California?
About 284 frost-free days on average between the last spring frost and the first fall frost. That is a long season, with room for a spring and a fall garden and long-season crops.
When can I plant tomatoes outside in California?
Plant tomato transplants outdoors between February 20 – March 9, once nights stay above about 50°F. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Is it safe to plant on the average last frost date?
For hardy crops such as peas, spinach, onions and cabbage, yes - they handle a light frost. For tender crops, no: the average date still carries about a 50% chance of a later frost, so wait one to two weeks or keep row cover ready.
→ Turn these into sowing dates with the California planting calendar, look up an exact ZIP code, or read how frost dates work. Month by month: what to plant in January · what to plant in February · what to plant in March · what to plant in April · what to plant in May · what to plant in June · what to plant in July · what to plant in August · what to plant in September · what to plant in October · what to plant in November · what to plant in December.
Statewide average from NOAA/NCEI freeze normals. Cautious and gambler dates are about two weeks either side of the average.