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Frost dates for Chico, California

In a typical year, Chico’s last spring frost lands around Mar 4 and the first fall frost around Nov 17, a growing season of about 258 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 9b.

Right now the growing season is open, with about 23 days until the typical first fall frost.

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Chico, California
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentFeb 8Nov 1
50 percentMar 4Nov 17
90 percentApr 2Dec 5

A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.

Soil in Chico is typically around 61°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.

Plantable now in Chico

Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Chico’s normals for today.

See the full what-to-plant lookup

Common questions

When is the last frost in Chico, California?

Chico’s last spring frost falls around March 4 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by February 8, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 2. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Chico?

The first fall frost arrives around November 17 in a typical year, as early as November 1 in an early year and as late as December 5 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Chico?

About 258 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Chico in?

Chico is in USDA hardiness zone 9b under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.

Nearby cities

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