When to plant in Big Bear City, CA
USDA Zone 7aHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Big Bear City, California — all computed from Big Bear City's nearest NOAA weather station.
In zone 7a, Big Bear City supports a wide range of perennials year-round; the frost dates above are what set your annual vegetable timing.
Frost probability
BIG BEAR LAKE · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Big Bear City’s own odds, recorded at BIG BEAR LAKE.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 29 | Jun 9 | May 27 | Aug 31 | Sep 20 | Oct 4 |
| 32°F | Jun 9 | May 27 | May 6 | Sep 21 | Oct 4 | Oct 20 |
| 28°F | May 27 | May 4 | Apr 17 | Oct 4 | Oct 20 | Nov 4 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Big Bear City, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 28 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Big Bear City planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Big Bear City, CA?
On average, the last spring frost in Big Bear City is around May 27 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Big Bear City, CA?
The first fall frost in Big Bear City typically arrives around October 4 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Big Bear City in?
Big Bear City is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. In zone 7a, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Big Bear City?
Big Bear City has about 130 frost-free days — a short growing season — between the average last spring frost (May 27) and first fall frost (October 4).
When should I plant tomatoes in Big Bear City?
For Big Bear City, sow tomatoes indoors about April 1–April 15 and move the seedlings out around June 3, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Big Bear City
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Big Bear City’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Yucaipa · 33 km
- Lake Arrowhead · 35 km
- Banning · 36 km
- Highland · 37 km
- Yucca Valley · 37 km
- Calimesa · 38 km
- Desert Hot Springs · 40 km
- Redlands · 41 km
Frost dates recorded at BIG BEAR LAKE, 11 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Big Bear City, CA — Frost Dates & Zone 7a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00040741. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/california/big-bear-city.