Frost dates for Sacramento, California
In a typical year, Sacramento’s last spring frost lands around Feb 2 and the first fall frost around Dec 2, a growing season of about 303 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 38 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Jan 2 | Nov 16 |
| 50 percent | Feb 2 | Dec 2 |
| 90 percent | Mar 5 | Jan 2 |
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 Sacramento is typically around 63°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Sacramento
- Radish (Cherry Belle)
- Garlic (Music)
- Shallot (French Red Shallot)
- Turnip (Hakurei)
- Bok choy (Toy Choi)
- Arugula (Surrey)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Sacramento’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Sacramento, California?
Sacramento’s last spring frost falls around February 2 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by January 2, and one year in ten frost holds on until March 5. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Sacramento?
The first fall frost arrives around December 2 in a typical year, as early as November 16 in an early year and as late as January 2 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Sacramento?
About 303 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Sacramento in?
Sacramento 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
- Elk Grove, CA (around Feb 2 to Dec 2)
- Roseville, CA (around Jan 12 to Dec 16)
- Fairfield, CA (around Jan 15 to Dec 14)
- Stockton, CA (around Feb 5 to Dec 8)
- Concord, CA (around Jan 9 to Dec 14)
Row & Bed is a plant reference built around your garden: your zone, your frost dates, your forecast, and a cited page for every variety in your beds.
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