When is the last frost in Sacramento, CA?

For ZIP code 95823, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 2, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Sacramento Executive Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 5.

When is the first frost in Sacramento, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 2. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 16, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 95823?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 301 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 95823Sacramento, CA

The average last spring frost in Sacramento is February 2 and the average first fall frost is December 2, giving a typical growing season of about 301 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Feb 2
Average first fall frost: Dec 2
Growing season: 301 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)	Feb 13 · Mar 14 · Apr 10	Nov 4 · Nov 18 · Dec 3	247 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Jan 2 · Feb 2 · Mar 5	Nov 16 · Dec 2 · Jan 2	301 days	98%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 12 · Jan 4 · Feb 1	Nov 30 · Dec 16 · Jan 14	345 days	70%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 95823 is matched to the NOAA station Sacramento Executive Ap, CA, 5.4 km away, at 15 ft elevation (5 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Sacramento Executive Ap, CA (used)	15 ft	Feb 2	Dec 2
Sacramento 5 Ese, CA	38 ft	Jan 12	Dec 16
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 95828 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
Elk Grove, CA 95758 · last Feb 2, first Dec 2
West Sacramento, CA 95798 · last Feb 2, first Dec 2
Hood, CA 95639 · last Feb 2, first Dec 2
Clarksburg, CA 95612 · last Feb 2, first Dec 2
Mather, CA 95655 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16
Carmichael, CA 95609 · last Jan 12, first Dec 16

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Sacramento, CA?: For ZIP code 95823, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 2, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Sacramento Executive Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 5.
When is the first frost in Sacramento, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 2. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 16, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 95823?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 301 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.