Canyon Dam, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 16 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Canyon Dam compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Canyon Dam fall between December 13 and January 30. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 21, or the last frost as late as March 3.
- Nearby Chico, CA, 32 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Mar 4), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 26 |
| 50% (median) | January 30 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 3 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 21 |
| 50% (median) | December 13 |
| 90% (late) | January 11 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Canyon Dam, CA
Canyon Dam, CA frost dates — last frost Jan 30, first frost Dec 13, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Canyon Dam, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 7 – Nov 21 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 21 – Dec 5 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 21 – Dec 5 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 2 – Feb 6 | Oct 18 – Nov 15 |
| Kale | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Oct 4 – Oct 25 |
| Broccoli | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cabbage | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Okra | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — |
| Basil | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 19 – Jan 9 | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 19 – Jan 9 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 26 – Feb 6 | Nov 1 – Nov 22 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 9 – Feb 6 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 9 – Feb 6 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 9 – Jan 30 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 13 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 6 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 6 – Feb 27 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 13 – Mar 6 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 29 – Jan 3 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Oroville, CA weather station, 6 km away (elevation 171 ft (52 m)).
Frost dates near Canyon Dam
- Oroville Jan 30 · Dec 13
- Palermo Jan 29 · Dec 7
- Nelson Jan 29 · Dec 7
- Richvale Jan 29 · Dec 7
- Paradise Feb 7 · Dec 18
- Durham Mar 4 · Nov 17
- Biggs Jan 29 · Dec 7
- Berry Creek Feb 7 · Dec 18
- Bangor Apr 1 · Nov 17
- Gridley Jan 29 · Dec 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Canyon Dam, CA?
The median last spring frost in Canyon Dam, CA is January 30. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 3, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Canyon Dam, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 21.
How long is the growing season in Canyon Dam, CA?
About 317 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Canyon Dam, CA?
Canyon Dam, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.