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Frost dates for South Lake Tahoe, California

In a typical year, South Lake Tahoe’s last spring frost lands around Jun 7 and the first fall frost around Sep 28, a growing season of about 113 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 6b.

Right now the typical frost season has arrived; planting waits for spring.

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for South Lake Tahoe, California
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentMay 21Sep 10
50 percentJun 7Sep 28
90 percentJun 24Oct 16

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 South Lake Tahoe is typically around 44°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.

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Common questions

When is the last frost in South Lake Tahoe, California?

South Lake Tahoe’s last spring frost falls around June 7 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by May 21, and one year in ten frost holds on until June 24. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in South Lake Tahoe?

The first fall frost arrives around September 28 in a typical year, as early as September 10 in an early year and as late as October 16 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in South Lake Tahoe?

About 113 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is South Lake Tahoe in?

South Lake Tahoe is in USDA hardiness zone 6b 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.

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