Paradise, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 7 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Paradise compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Paradise fall between December 18 and February 7. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 26, or the last frost as late as April 1.
- Nearby Chico, CA, 19 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 27 |
| 50% (median) | February 7 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 26 |
| 50% (median) | December 18 |
| 90% (late) | January 27 |
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 Paradise, CA
Paradise, CA frost dates — last frost Feb 7, first frost Dec 18, zone 9b. 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 Paradise, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 15 – Nov 29 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 29 – Dec 13 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 29 – Dec 13 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Jan 10 – Feb 14 | Oct 23 – Nov 20 |
| Kale | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Oct 9 – Oct 30 |
| Broccoli | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | — | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Cabbage | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | — | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | — | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Okra | Dec 27 – Jan 10 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | — |
| Basil | Dec 27 – Jan 10 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 27 – Jan 17 | Sep 25 – Oct 16 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 27 – Jan 17 | Oct 23 – Nov 13 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 3 – Feb 14 | Nov 6 – Nov 27 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 10 – Jan 17 | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 10 – Jan 17 | — | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Oct 9 – Oct 23 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 10 – Jan 17 | — | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 10 – Jan 17 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 17 – Feb 14 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 17 – Feb 14 | Oct 9 – Oct 23 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 17 – Feb 7 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 24 – Feb 21 | Oct 9 – Oct 23 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 24 – Feb 14 | Oct 23 – Nov 13 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 14 – Mar 7 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 21 – Mar 14 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 4 – Jan 8 |
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 Paradise, CA weather station, 2 km away (elevation 1,749 ft (533 m)).
ZIP codes in Paradise: 95967 95969
Frost dates near Paradise
- Forest Ranch Apr 17 · Nov 11
- Durham Mar 4 · Nov 17
- Magalia Apr 17 · Nov 11
- Chico Mar 4 · Nov 17
- Canyon Dam Jan 30 · Dec 13
- Stirling City Apr 17 · Nov 11
- Oroville Jan 30 · Dec 13
- Berry Creek Feb 7 · Dec 18
- Nelson Jan 29 · Dec 7
- Richvale Jan 29 · Dec 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Paradise, CA?
The median last spring frost in Paradise, CA is February 7. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Paradise, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 18, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 26.
How long is the growing season in Paradise, CA?
About 314 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Paradise, CA?
Paradise, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.