First and Last Frost Dates by Zip Code 2026 for Places in California

Fall frost is on the way. Find out how long your garden has left.

Use our Frost Dates Calculator to discover the average first fall frost date and last spring frost date in your area—based on the nearest official weather station and your ZIP or Postal Code. This information reveals your local growing season length and helps you plan planting, harvesting, and garden care. Knowing your frost dates is more than a calendar check—it’s about understanding your garden’s unique climate rhythm. The first fall frost signals the approaching end of the warm growing season and guides important garden tasks, from harvesting tender crops to bringing houseplants indoors. Plus, many fall vegetables can still thrive if you time planting carefully.

What Is a Fall Frost Date—and Why Does It Matter?

The first fall frost date represents the average day when temperatures in your region may drop to 32°F (0°C), enough to damage many tender plants. This date marks the transition from warm-season growth to dormancy and winter preparation. While frost dates are based on statistical averages (30% probability), they are not absolute guarantees—frost can happen earlier or later.

Understanding this date helps gardeners time their last plantings, harvest tender crops before damage, and prepare garden protection measures.

Can You Still Plant a Fall Garden After the First Frost Date?

Absolutely! Many cool-season vegetables can be planted in late summer and early fall, especially fast-maturing varieties. Use your first frost date to count backward and determine what crops will reach maturity before the cold sets in.

Recommended crops to plant before frost include:

• Leafy greens: lettuce, kale, spinach
• Root crops: radishes, turnips
• Brassicas: broccoli, cabbage (if planted early enough)
• Herbs: cilantro, parsley

See what vegetables to plant in a fall garden. 

How to Use Frost Dates to Protect Your Plants and Harvest on Time

Frost dates don’t just help with planting—they also guide when to:

• Harvest sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash
• Bring potted plants and houseplants indoors
• Cover vulnerable plants with row covers or cloches
• Stop fertilizing perennials to encourage natural dormancy

Learn more: Tips to Protect Plants from Frost. 

Understanding Your Growing Season

Your growing season is the number of days between your last spring frost and first fall frost—this window determines what and when you can grow crops to maturity. Use your frost dates to:

• Plan spring and fall planting dates. 
• Select vegetable varieties suited to your season length
• Schedule succession plantings for continuous harvests

Frost Date FAQs

Q: Can frost come earlier than the “first frost date”?
A: Yes, frost dates are averages. Some years frost arrives earlier, others later. Watch local weather forecasts during transitional seasons.

Q: What’s the difference between frost and freeze?
A: Frost forms at temperatures near freezing but above 32°F, often damaging plants slowly. A freeze is when temperatures drop to or below 32°F and can cause severe damage.

Q: When should I bring houseplants indoors?
A: Start transitioning when nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F, ideally 1–2 weeks before your first frost date.

Q: What plants survive a light frost?
A: Leafy greens, root vegetables, and some brassicas tolerate light frost. Tomatoes, basil, and squash are more sensitive.

Keep Planning Your Fall Garden:

• What to Do in the Garden This Fall 
• Extend the Growing Season 
• Hardiness Zones vs. Frost Dates  
• Fall Gardening Guide