Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Priest Valley, 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 6, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around June 12, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before May 27, 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° Feb 19 Feb 3 Jan 22 Jan 11 Dec 30 Dec 16 Nov 21 -- --
Last 20° Mar 15 Feb 28 Feb 17 Feb 8 Jan 30 Jan 21 Jan 11 Dec 30 Dec 12
Last 24° Apr 23 Apr 7 Mar 26 Mar 17 Mar 8 Feb 26 Feb 17 Feb 5 Jan 20
Last 28° May 26 May 16 May 9 May 3 Apr 28 Apr 22 Apr 16 Apr 9 Mar 30
Last 32° Jun 11 Jun 4 May 30 May 26 May 22 May 18 May 13 May 8 May 1
Last 36° Jul 6 Jun 28 Jun 22 Jun 17 Jun 12 Jun 7 Jun 2 May 27 May 19

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Priest Valley, 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 October 2, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 13, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 25, 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 25 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 24 Dec 4 Dec 13 Dec 20 Dec 28 Jan 7 Jan 24 -- --
First 20° Nov 5 Nov 16 Nov 23 Nov 30 Dec 6 Dec 12 Dec 19 Dec 27 Jan 8
First 24° Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 8 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 29 Dec 6
First 28° Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 5 Nov 10 Nov 17
First 32° Sep 26 Oct 2 Oct 6 Oct 10 Oct 13 Oct 17 Oct 20 Oct 25 Oct 31
First 36° Sep 9 Sep 16 Sep 21 Sep 25 Sep 29 Oct 3 Oct 7 Oct 12 Oct 19

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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