Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Big Bar, CA
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring
As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.
While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.
Key dates for your spring planting:
- By June 2, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
- Around May 15, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
- Before May 3, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them
If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 16° | Jan 22 | Jan 2 | Dec 14 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 20° | Feb 10 | Jan 30 | Jan 22 | Jan 14 | Jan 6 | Dec 26 | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 24° | Mar 9 | Feb 22 | Feb 11 | Feb 1 | Jan 23 | Jan 14 | Jan 4 | Dec 23 | Dec 5 |
| Last 28° | Apr 29 | Apr 13 | Apr 1 | Mar 22 | Mar 12 | Mar 2 | Feb 20 | Feb 7 | Jan 18 |
| Last 32° | May 19 | May 9 | May 2 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 15 | Apr 9 | Apr 2 | Mar 23 |
| Last 36° | Jun 2 | May 27 | May 22 | May 19 | May 15 | May 11 | May 8 | May 3 | Apr 27 |
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall
As summer ends in Big Bar, CA, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.
The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:
These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 16° | Dec 6 | Dec 24 | Jan 12 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 20° | Nov 17 | Dec 3 | Dec 15 | Dec 27 | Jan 9 | Jan 28 | -- | -- | -- |
| First 24° | Oct 31 | Nov 13 | Nov 21 | Nov 29 | Dec 6 | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Jan 2 | Jan 21 |
| First 28° | Oct 14 | Oct 25 | Nov 3 | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Dec 1 | Dec 10 | Dec 24 |
| First 32° | Oct 6 | Oct 13 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 17 |
| First 36° | Sep 20 | Sep 26 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 27 |
📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations
- Hayfork, CA 14.8 mi
- Willow Creek, CA 25.7 mi
- Weaverville, CA 28.2 mi
- Cecilville, CA 32.1 mi
- Orleans, CA 42.6 mi
- Callahan, CA 55.0 mi
- Scotia, CA 55.4 mi
- Whiskeytown Rsvr, CA 56.7 mi
- Eureka Wfo Woodley Is, CA 57.1 mi
- Richardson Gr Sp, CA 57.6 mi
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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.