Frost Dates for Ridgecrest, CA
In Ridgecrest, CA, the average last spring frost is around Mar 11 and the average first fall frost around Nov 12, for a growing season of about 244 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 9, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the China Lake Naf, CA weather station, 4 miles away, elevation 2,230 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 9 | Oct 29 |
| 20% | Apr 2 | Nov 3 |
| 30% | Mar 24 | Nov 6 |
| 40% | Mar 17 | Nov 9 |
| 50% | Mar 11 | Nov 12 |
| 60% | Mar 6 | Nov 15 |
| 70% | Mar 2 | Nov 18 |
| 80% | Feb 26 | Nov 21 |
| 90% | Feb 18 | Nov 25 |
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 3 | Nov 2 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 11 | Nov 12 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 20 | Nov 23 |
Planting calendar for Ridgecrest
Transplant Mar 18 – Apr 1
Transplant Mar 25 – Apr 8
Transplant Mar 25 – Apr 8
Transplant Mar 18 – Apr 1
Sow or transplant Mar 18 – Apr 1
Sow or transplant Mar 18 – Apr 1
Sow or transplant Mar 25 – Apr 8
Sow or transplant Feb 11 – Feb 25
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 15
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 8
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Sow or transplant Feb 11 – Feb 25
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Oct 1
Transplant Feb 25 – Mar 11
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 3
Transplant Feb 18 – Mar 4
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 3
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 3
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 22
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Plant Feb 11 – Feb 25
Based on the average last frost (Mar 11) and first frost (Nov 12). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.