Lakehead, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 6 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Lakehead compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Lakehead fall between December 28 and February 8. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as March 28.
- Lakehead shares its weather station with Redding, CA, 31 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 26 |
| 50% (median) | February 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 28 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 28 |
| 90% (late) | February 18 |
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 Lakehead, CA
Lakehead, CA frost dates — last frost Feb 8, first frost Dec 28, zone 9a. 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 Lakehead, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 16 – Nov 30 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 30 – Dec 14 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 30 – Dec 14 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Jan 11 – Feb 15 | Nov 2 – Nov 30 |
| Kale | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Oct 19 – Nov 9 |
| Broccoli | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | — | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
| Cabbage | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | — | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | — | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
| Okra | Dec 28 – Jan 11 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | — |
| Basil | Dec 28 – Jan 11 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 28 – Jan 18 | Oct 5 – Oct 26 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 28 – Jan 18 | Nov 2 – Nov 23 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 4 – Feb 15 | Nov 16 – Dec 7 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 11 – Jan 18 | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 11 – Jan 18 | — | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Oct 19 – Nov 2 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 11 – Jan 18 | — | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 11 – Jan 18 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 15 | Oct 5 – Oct 19 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 15 | Oct 19 – Nov 2 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 8 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 25 – Feb 22 | Oct 19 – Nov 2 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 25 – Feb 15 | Nov 2 – Nov 23 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 15 – Mar 8 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 22 – Mar 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 14 – Jan 18 |
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 Shasta Dam, CA weather station, 22 km away (elevation 1,076 ft (328 m)).
Frost dates near Lakehead
- Castella Apr 23 · Oct 27
- Shasta Lake Feb 8 · Dec 28
- Obrien Feb 8 · Dec 28
- French Gulch Mar 19 · Nov 22
- Trinity Center May 20 · Oct 5
- Redding Feb 8 · Dec 28
- Whiskeytown Feb 13 · Dec 13
- Shasta Feb 13 · Dec 13
- Bella Vista Feb 8 · Dec 28
- Dunsmuir Apr 23 · Oct 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lakehead, CA?
The median last spring frost in Lakehead, CA is February 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 28, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Lakehead, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Lakehead, CA?
About 323 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Lakehead, CA?
Lakehead, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.