Frost dates for 94274 — Sacramento, CA
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 Sacramento compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Sacramento 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.
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
Sacramento, 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, 7 km away (elevation 39 ft (12 m)).
ZIP codes in Sacramento: 94203 94204 94205 94206 94207 94208 94209 94211 94229 94230 94232 94234 94235 94236 94237 94239 94240 94244 94245 94247 94248 94249 94250 94252 94254 94256 94257 94258 94259 94261 94262 94263 94267 94268 94269 94271 94273 94274 94277 94278 94279 94280 94282 94283 94284 94285 94286 94287 94288 94289 94290 94291 94293 94294 94295 94296 94297 94298 94299 95811 …
Frost dates near Sacramento
- West Sacramento Feb 2 · Dec 2
- Mcclellan Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Rio Linda Feb 22 · Nov 24
- North Highlands Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Carmichael Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Elverta Feb 22 · Nov 24
- Mather Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Antelope Jan 12 · Dec 16
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Sacramento, CA?
The median last spring frost in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA?
About 338 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Sacramento, CA?
Sacramento, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.