Frost Dates for Reno, NV
In Reno, NV, the average last spring frost is around Apr 28 and the average first fall frost around Oct 27, for a growing season of about 182 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 19, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Reno Wfo, NV weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 4,987 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% | May 19 | Oct 10 |
| 20% | May 11 | Oct 16 |
| 30% | May 6 | Oct 21 |
| 40% | May 1 | Oct 24 |
| 50% | Apr 28 | Oct 27 |
| 60% | Apr 24 | Oct 31 |
| 70% | Apr 20 | Nov 3 |
| 80% | Apr 16 | Nov 6 |
| 90% | Apr 9 | Nov 10 |
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) | May 14 | Oct 15 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 28 | Oct 27 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 10 | Nov 8 |
Planting calendar for Reno
Transplant May 5 – May 19
Transplant May 12 – May 26
Transplant May 12 – May 26
Transplant May 5 – May 19
Sow or transplant May 5 – May 19
Sow or transplant May 5 – May 19
Sow or transplant May 12 – May 26
Sow or transplant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 29
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 22
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Sow or transplant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 15
Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 28
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Transplant Apr 7 – Apr 21
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Oct 6
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Plant Mar 31 – Apr 14
Based on the average last frost (Apr 28) and first frost (Oct 27). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.