Frost dates for 95823 — Sacramento, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 15 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Sacramento compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Sacramento fall between December 2 and February 2. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 16, or the last frost as late as March 5.
- Nearby San Francisco, CA, 117 km away, rarely gets frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 2 |
| 50% (median) | February 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 5 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 16 |
| 50% (median) | December 2 |
| 90% (late) | January 2 |
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 Sacramento, CA
Frost dates for 95823 — Sacramento, CA — last frost Feb 2, first frost Dec 2, 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 Sacramento, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 10 – Nov 24 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 24 – Dec 8 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 24 – Dec 8 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Jan 5 – Feb 9 | Oct 7 – Nov 4 |
| Kale | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Broccoli | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Cabbage | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Okra | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | — |
| Basil | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 22 – Jan 12 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 22 – Jan 12 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 29 – Feb 9 | Oct 21 – Nov 11 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Feb 23 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Sep 16 – Sep 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 9 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 2 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 19 – Feb 16 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 19 – Feb 9 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 9 – Mar 2 | Sep 16 – Sep 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 16 – Mar 9 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 18 – Dec 23 |
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 Sacramento Executive Ap, CA weather station, 5 km away (elevation 16 ft (5 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
- Elk Grove Feb 2 · Dec 2
- Hood Feb 2 · Dec 2
- West Sacramento Feb 2 · Dec 2
- Clarksburg Feb 2 · Dec 2
- Mather Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Carmichael Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Rancho Cordova Jan 12 · Dec 16
- Mcclellan Jan 12 · Dec 16
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Sacramento, CA?
The median last spring frost in Sacramento, CA is February 2. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 5, 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 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 16.
How long is the growing season in Sacramento, CA?
About 303 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.