Frost Dates for Lincoln, CA
In Lincoln, CA, the average last spring frost is around Feb 25 and the average first fall frost around Dec 5, for a growing season of about 286 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 7, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Auburn, CA weather station, 11 miles away, elevation 1,292 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 7 | Nov 15 |
| 20% | Mar 28 | Nov 22 |
| 30% | Mar 14 | Nov 28 |
| 40% | Mar 3 | Dec 1 |
| 50% | Feb 25 | Dec 5 |
| 60% | Feb 16 | Dec 9 |
| 70% | Feb 5 | Dec 13 |
| 80% | Jan 27 | Dec 19 |
| 90% | Jan 15 | Dec 31 |
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 19 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 25 | Dec 5 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 13 | Dec 22 |
Planting calendar for Lincoln
Transplant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Sow or transplant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Sow or transplant Mar 4 – Mar 18
Sow or transplant Mar 11 – Mar 25
Sow or transplant Jan 28 – Feb 11
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Nov 7
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Oct 31
Fall sowing Sep 26 – Oct 10
Sow or transplant Jan 28 – Feb 11
Fall sowing Sep 26 – Oct 24
Transplant Feb 11 – Feb 25
Fall sowing Sep 12 – Sep 26
Transplant Feb 4 – Feb 18
Fall sowing Sep 12 – Sep 26
Fall sowing Sep 12 – Sep 26
Fall sowing Oct 24 – Nov 14
Fall sowing Sep 26 – Oct 10
Plant Jan 28 – Feb 11
Based on the average last frost (Feb 25) and first frost (Dec 5). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.