Frost dates for 95742Rancho Cordova, CA
The average last spring frost in Rancho Cordova 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
Safer after Feb 8 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Nov 28 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 50 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.
| 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 95742 is matched to the NOAA station Sacramento 5 Ese, CA, 18.2 km away, at 38 ft elevation (156 ft lower 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 |
| Placerville, CA | 1,850 ft | Mar 31 | Nov 21 |
Frost dates near Rancho Cordova
- Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
- Fair Oaks, CA 95628 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
- Mather, CA 95655 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
- Folsom, CA 95763 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
- Orangevale, CA 95662 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
- Carmichael, CA 95609 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
- Sacramento, CA 95827 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
- Citrus Heights, CA 95610 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Rancho Cordova, CA?
- For ZIP code 95742, 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 Rancho Cordova, 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 95742?
- 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.