Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Yreka, 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 30, 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 30, 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 28 Feb 16 Feb 7 Jan 31 Jan 23 Jan 16 Jan 8 Dec 28 Dec 8
Last 20° Mar 26 Mar 13 Mar 4 Feb 24 Feb 16 Feb 9 Feb 1 Jan 22 Jan 9
Last 24° Apr 26 Apr 17 Apr 10 Apr 4 Mar 29 Mar 23 Mar 17 Mar 10 Mar 1
Last 28° May 17 May 11 May 6 May 2 Apr 28 Apr 24 Apr 20 Apr 15 Apr 8
Last 32° Jun 7 Jun 1 May 28 May 25 May 22 May 18 May 15 May 11 May 6
Last 36° Jun 30 Jun 24 Jun 19 Jun 15 Jun 12 Jun 8 Jun 4 May 30 May 24

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Yreka, 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 27, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 6, 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 17 Nov 27 Dec 4 Dec 11 Dec 17 Dec 23 Dec 31 Jan 8 Jan 25
First 20° Nov 2 Nov 11 Nov 17 Nov 23 Nov 28 Dec 3 Dec 8 Dec 14 Dec 23
First 24° Oct 27 Nov 1 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 25
First 28° Oct 11 Oct 15 Oct 19 Oct 21 Oct 24 Oct 27 Oct 30 Nov 2 Nov 6
First 32° Sep 23 Sep 27 Sep 30 Oct 3 Oct 6 Oct 8 Oct 11 Oct 14 Oct 19
First 36° Aug 31 Sep 7 Sep 12 Sep 17 Sep 21 Sep 25 Sep 29 Oct 4 Oct 12

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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