Sutter, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 8 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Sutter compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Sutter fall between December 12 and January 15. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 24, or the last frost as late as February 18.
- Nearby Yuba City, CA, 16 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Feb 11), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 18 |
| 50% (median) | January 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 24 |
| 50% (median) | December 12 |
| 90% (late) | January 9 |
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
Sutter, 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 Marysville, CA weather station, 17 km away (elevation 56 ft (17 m)).
Frost dates near Sutter
- Live Oak Jan 15 · Dec 12
- Meridian Feb 11 · Nov 30
- Grimes Feb 14 · Dec 1
- Yuba City Feb 11 · Nov 30
- Gridley Jan 29 · Dec 7
- Olivehurst Feb 11 · Nov 30
- Colusa Feb 14 · Dec 1
- Marysville Jan 15 · Dec 12
- Biggs Jan 29 · Dec 7
- Arbuckle Feb 14 · Dec 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Sutter, CA?
The median last spring frost in Sutter, CA is January 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Sutter, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 12, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 24.
How long is the growing season in Sutter, CA?
About 331 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Sutter, CA?
Sutter, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.