Last frost date in Chico, CA
In Chico, the last spring frost comes around March 4 in an average year. Wait until April 2 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 17, which leaves 257 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 1 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 2
- Average first frost
- Nov 17
- Frost-free season
- 257 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Feb 5
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2252°
- FriOct 2345°
- SatOct 2446°
- SunOct 2549°
- MonOct 2649°
- TueOct 2748°
Planting calendar for Chico
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across California.
TomatoesMar 11–Mar 25
PumpkinsMar 18–Apr 1
SunflowersMar 4–Mar 25
CucumbersMar 18–Mar 25
CornMar 11–Mar 25
Sweet potatoesMar 25–Apr 8
WatermelonMar 18–Apr 1
Green beansMar 11–Apr 1
ZucchiniMar 11–Mar 25
OkraMar 25–Apr 8
PeppersMar 18–Apr 1
BasilMar 11–Mar 25
Butternut squashMar 11–Mar 25
CantaloupeMar 18–Apr 1
EggplantMar 18–Apr 1
PotatoesFeb 4–Feb 18
OnionsJan 21–Feb 11
CarrotsFeb 11–Mar 18
LettuceFeb 18–Mar 11
BroccoliFeb 4–Feb 18
BeetsFeb 4–Mar 18
PeasJan 21–Feb 4
CabbageFeb 4–Feb 18
RadishesJan 28–Mar 11
Brussels sproutsFeb 18–Mar 4
SpinachJan 21–Feb 11
CilantroFeb 18–Mar 11
KaleFeb 4–Feb 18
Collard greensFeb 4–Feb 18
TurnipsFeb 4–Feb 18
DillMar 4–Mar 18
CeleryMar 11–Mar 18
CauliflowerFeb 18–Mar 4
LeeksFeb 18–Mar 4
Swiss chardFeb 18–Mar 18
ParsleyFeb 18–Mar 11
Tulip bulbsNov 3–Dec 8
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesFeb 4–Feb 18
AsparagusFeb 4–Feb 18Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Feb 8 | Mar 4 | Apr 2 | Nov 1 | Nov 17 | Dec 5 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Jan 1 | Feb 5 | Mar 1 | Nov 13 | Dec 3 | Jan 5 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Chico University Farm (USC00041715) sits 4.7 miles from the center of Chico at 185 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Chico, CA?
The average last frost date in Chico is March 4, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 2.
When is the first frost in Chico?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 17. One year in ten it arrives before November 1.
How long is the growing season in Chico?
About 257 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Chico?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 11 to March 25. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in California
- OrovilleJan 30
- Yuba CityJan 15
- LindaFeb 11
- ReddingMar 3
- LincolnFeb 25
- RocklinFeb 25
- RosevilleFeb 22
- WoodlandFeb 7
- AntelopeJan 12
- Granite BayFeb 25
- Foothill FarmsJan 12
- Citrus HeightsJan 12