Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Mc Cloud, 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 May 23, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
- Around April 12, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
- Before March 16, 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° | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 20° | Dec 25 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 24° | Feb 5 | Jan 23 | Jan 13 | Jan 3 | Dec 21 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 28° | Mar 3 | Feb 18 | Feb 8 | Jan 30 | Jan 21 | Jan 12 | Jan 2 | Dec 16 | -- |
| Last 32° | Apr 10 | Mar 27 | Mar 16 | Mar 7 | Feb 27 | Feb 18 | Feb 9 | Jan 30 | Jan 15 |
| Last 36° | May 23 | May 9 | Apr 29 | Apr 20 | Apr 12 | Apr 4 | Mar 26 | Mar 16 | Mar 2 |
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall
As summer ends in Mc Cloud, 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° | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 20° | Jan 18 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 24° | Dec 8 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 | Jan 7 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 28° | Nov 15 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 11 | -- |
| First 32° | Oct 27 | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 6 | Dec 15 |
| First 36° | Oct 4 | Oct 14 | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 20 | Nov 29 |
📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations
- Stockton Ap, CA 7.2 mi
- Lodi, CA 9.3 mi
- Tracy Carbona, CA 20.4 mi
- Tracy Pumping Plt, CA 23.6 mi
- Antioch Pumping Plant #3, CA 31.6 mi
- Modesto Ap, CA 33.6 mi
- Camp Pardee, CA 36.4 mi
- Livermore, CA 38.4 mi
- Sacramento Ap Asos, CA 39.7 mi
- Sacramento, CA 41.4 mi
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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.