Fair Oaks, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Fair Oaks compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Fair Oaks fall between December 16 and January 12. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 28, or the last frost as late as February 8.
- Fair Oaks shares its weather station with Citrus Heights, CA, 5 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 18 |
| 50% (median) | January 12 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 28 |
| 50% (median) | December 16 |
| 90% (late) | January 14 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Fair Oaks, CA only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Sacramento 5 Ese, CA weather station, 17 km away (elevation 39 ft (12 m)).
Frost dates near Fair Oaks
- Orangevale Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Citrus Heights Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Rancho Cordova Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Carmichael Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Folsom Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Represa Feb 25 · Dec 5
- North Highlands Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Mather Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Antelope Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Roseville Feb 25 · Dec 5
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fair Oaks, CA?
The median last spring frost in Fair Oaks, CA is January 12. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 8, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Fair Oaks, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 28.
How long is the growing season in Fair Oaks, CA?
About 338 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fair Oaks, CA?
Fair Oaks, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.