When is the last frost in Sacramento, CA?

For ZIP code 94256, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 12, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Sacramento 5 Ese, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 8.

When is the first frost in Sacramento, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 16. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 28, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 94256?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 341 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 94256Sacramento, CA

The average last spring frost in Sacramento is January 12 and the average first fall frost is December 16, giving a typical growing season of about 341 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 12
Average first fall frost: Dec 16
Growing season: 341 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	Jan 9 · Feb 12 · Mar 11	Nov 15 · Dec 1 · Dec 29	289 days	99%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 18 · Jan 12 · Feb 8	Nov 28 · Dec 16 · Jan 14	341 days	81%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 13 · Dec 31 · Jan 22	Dec 5 · Dec 25 · Jan 14	365 days	25%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 94256 is matched to the NOAA station Sacramento 5 Ese, CA, 7.3 km away, at 38 ft elevation (12 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Sacramento 5 Ese, CA (used)	38 ft	Jan 12	Dec 16
Sacramento Executive Ap, CA	15 ft	Feb 2	Dec 2
Sacramento Metro Ap, CA	23 ft	Feb 22	Nov 24
Davis 2 Wsw Exp Farm, CA	60 ft	Feb 10	Dec 1

Frost dates near Sacramento

Sacramento, CA 94203 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
West Sacramento, CA 95798 · last Feb 2, first Dec 2
Mcclellan, CA 95652 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
Rio Linda, CA 95673 · last Feb 22, first Nov 24
North Highlands, CA 95660 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
Carmichael, CA 95608 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
Elverta, CA 95626 · last Feb 22, first Nov 24
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Sacramento, CA?: For ZIP code 94256, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 12, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Sacramento 5 Ese, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 8.
When is the first frost in Sacramento, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 16. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 28, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 94256?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 341 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.