Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Canyon Dam, 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 July 10, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around June 21, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before June 9, 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.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Apr 3 Mar 23 Mar 15 Mar 9 Mar 3 Feb 24 Feb 18 Feb 10 Jan 30
Last 20° Apr 16 Apr 6 Mar 29 Mar 23 Mar 17 Mar 11 Mar 5 Feb 25 Feb 15
Last 24° Apr 26 Apr 21 Apr 17 Apr 14 Apr 10 Apr 7 Apr 4 Mar 31 Mar 25
Last 28° May 27 May 20 May 16 May 12 May 8 May 5 May 1 Apr 26 Apr 20
Last 32° Jun 18 Jun 12 Jun 7 Jun 3 May 31 May 27 May 23 May 19 May 12
Last 36° Jul 10 Jul 4 Jun 29 Jun 25 Jun 21 Jun 17 Jun 13 Jun 9 Jun 2

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Canyon Dam, 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:

1
Early warning: Around September 15, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By September 30, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 14, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past October 14 without a freezing night

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.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Nov 12 Nov 21 Nov 27 Dec 2 Dec 7 Dec 12 Dec 18 Dec 24 Jan 1
First 20° Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 15 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 6 Dec 13
First 24° Oct 22 Oct 28 Nov 1 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 11 Nov 15 Nov 19 Nov 25
First 28° Sep 29 Oct 5 Oct 10 Oct 14 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 30 Nov 5
First 32° Sep 7 Sep 15 Sep 20 Sep 25 Sep 30 Oct 4 Oct 9 Oct 14 Oct 22
First 36° Aug 16 Aug 24 Aug 31 Sep 5 Sep 10 Sep 14 Sep 20 Sep 26 Oct 4

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.