Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Willow Creek, 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 1, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
- Around May 11, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
- Before April 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.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 16° | Dec 24 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 20° | Mar 19 | Feb 19 | Jan 27 | Jan 3 | Dec 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 24° | Apr 14 | Mar 17 | Feb 25 | Feb 6 | Jan 19 | Dec 30 | Dec 2 | -- | -- |
| Last 28° | Apr 27 | Apr 8 | Mar 26 | Mar 14 | Mar 4 | Feb 21 | Feb 10 | Jan 27 | Jan 8 |
| Last 32° | May 17 | May 6 | Apr 28 | Apr 21 | Apr 15 | Apr 8 | Apr 2 | Mar 25 | Mar 14 |
| Last 36° | Jun 1 | May 25 | May 19 | May 15 | May 11 | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 27 | Apr 20 |
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall
As summer ends in Willow Creek, 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° | Nov 25 | Feb 7 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 20° | Nov 13 | Dec 14 | Jan 7 | Feb 1 | Mar 4 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 24° | Oct 24 | Nov 14 | Nov 29 | Dec 14 | Dec 28 | Jan 12 | Feb 2 | -- | -- |
| First 28° | Oct 11 | Oct 28 | Nov 9 | Nov 19 | Nov 28 | Dec 8 | Dec 18 | Dec 30 | Jan 15 |
| First 32° | Sep 26 | Oct 9 | Oct 18 | Oct 26 | Nov 2 | Nov 10 | Nov 18 | Nov 27 | Dec 10 |
| First 36° | Sep 15 | Sep 25 | Oct 2 | Oct 8 | Oct 13 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 31 | Nov 10 |
📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations
- Orleans, CA 26.7 mi
- Big Bar, CA 34.2 mi
- Eureka Wfo Woodley Is, CA 36.0 mi
- Orick Prairie Creek Pk, CA 38.2 mi
- Cecilville, CA 38.4 mi
- Hayfork, CA 41.1 mi
- Scotia, CA 44.4 mi
- Klamath, CA 52.5 mi
- Weaverville, CA 52.5 mi
- Happy Camp Rs, CA 62.6 mi
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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.