Frost Dates for Sacramento, CA
In Sacramento, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 12 and the average first fall frost around Dec 16, for a growing season of about 341 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Feb 8, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Sacramento 5 Ese, CA weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 38 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% | Feb 8 | Nov 28 |
| 20% | Jan 31 | Dec 3 |
| 30% | Jan 22 | Dec 7 |
| 40% | Jan 16 | Dec 12 |
| 50% | Jan 12 | Dec 16 |
| 60% | Jan 4 | Dec 20 |
| 70% | Dec 31 | Dec 28 |
| 80% | Dec 25 | Jan 2 |
| 90% | Dec 18 | Jan 14 |
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) | Feb 12 | Dec 1 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 12 | Dec 16 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Dec 31 | Dec 25 |
Planting calendar for Sacramento
Transplant Jan 19 – Feb 2
Transplant Jan 26 – Feb 9
Transplant Jan 26 – Feb 9
Transplant Jan 19 – Feb 2
Sow or transplant Jan 19 – Feb 2
Sow or transplant Jan 19 – Feb 2
Sow or transplant Jan 26 – Feb 9
Sow or transplant Dec 15 – Dec 29
Fall sowing Oct 21 – Nov 18
Fall sowing Oct 21 – Nov 11
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Oct 21
Sow or transplant Dec 15 – Dec 29
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Nov 4
Transplant Dec 29 – Jan 12
Fall sowing Sep 23 – Oct 7
Transplant Dec 22 – Jan 5
Fall sowing Sep 23 – Oct 7
Fall sowing Sep 23 – Oct 7
Fall sowing Nov 4 – Nov 25
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Oct 21
Plant Dec 15 – Dec 29
Based on the average last frost (Jan 12) and first frost (Dec 16). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.