Frost Dates for Chico, CA
In Chico, CA, the average last spring frost is around Mar 4 and the average first fall frost around Nov 17, for a growing season of about 257 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 2, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Chico Univ Farm, CA weather station, 5 miles away, elevation 185 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Apr 2 | Nov 1 |
| 20% | Mar 23 | Nov 6 |
| 30% | Mar 15 | Nov 10 |
| 40% | Mar 8 | Nov 14 |
| 50% | Mar 4 | Nov 17 |
| 60% | Feb 28 | Nov 21 |
| 70% | Feb 24 | Nov 24 |
| 80% | Feb 19 | Nov 28 |
| 90% | Feb 8 | Dec 5 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 5 | Nov 4 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 4 | Nov 17 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 5 | Dec 3 |
Planting calendar for Chico
Transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Mar 18 – Apr 1
Transplant Mar 18 – Apr 1
Transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Sow or transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Sow or transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Sow or transplant Mar 18 – Apr 1
Sow or transplant Feb 4 – Feb 18
Fall sowing Sep 22 – Oct 20
Fall sowing Sep 22 – Oct 13
Fall sowing Sep 8 – Sep 22
Sow or transplant Feb 4 – Feb 18
Fall sowing Sep 8 – Oct 6
Transplant Feb 18 – Mar 4
Fall sowing Aug 25 – Sep 8
Transplant Feb 11 – Feb 25
Fall sowing Aug 25 – Sep 8
Fall sowing Aug 25 – Sep 8
Fall sowing Oct 6 – Oct 27
Fall sowing Sep 8 – Sep 22
Plant Feb 4 – Feb 18
Based on the average last frost (Mar 4) and first frost (Nov 17). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.