Frost Dates for Elk Grove, CA
In Elk Grove, CA, the average last spring frost is around Feb 2 and the average first fall frost around Dec 2, for a growing season of about 301 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 5, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Sacramento Executive Airport, CA weather station, 9 miles away, elevation 15 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% | Mar 5 | Nov 16 |
| 20% | Feb 25 | Nov 21 |
| 30% | Feb 17 | Nov 26 |
| 40% | Feb 10 | Nov 30 |
| 50% | Feb 2 | Dec 2 |
| 60% | Jan 29 | Dec 6 |
| 70% | Jan 21 | Dec 11 |
| 80% | Jan 12 | Dec 18 |
| 90% | Jan 2 | Jan 2 |
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) | Mar 14 | Nov 18 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 2 | Dec 2 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 4 | Dec 16 |
Planting calendar for Elk Grove
Transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Sow or transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Sow or transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Sow or transplant Feb 16 – Mar 2
Sow or transplant Jan 5 – Jan 19
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Nov 4
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Oct 28
Fall sowing Sep 23 – Oct 7
Sow or transplant Jan 5 – Jan 19
Fall sowing Sep 23 – Oct 21
Transplant Jan 19 – Feb 2
Fall sowing Sep 9 – Sep 23
Transplant Jan 12 – Jan 26
Fall sowing Sep 9 – Sep 23
Fall sowing Sep 9 – Sep 23
Fall sowing Oct 21 – Nov 11
Fall sowing Sep 23 – Oct 7
Plant Jan 5 – Jan 19
Based on the average last frost (Feb 2) and first frost (Dec 2). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.