In Nevada, the last spring frost usually comes between February 4 and June 7, and the first fall frost between September 20 and December 4, depending on where you live. Most of Nevada is in USDA hardiness zones 5b to 9b. In the highest mountain areas, frost is possible in any month.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for Nevada cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | 9b | Feb. 11 | Feb. 24 | Dec. 1 |
| Reno | 7b | May 6 | May 19 | Oct. 21 |
| Carson City | 7a | May 14 | May 29 | Oct. 1 |
| Pahrump | 8b | April 7 | April 21 | Oct. 28 |
| Elko | 5b | June 22 | June 30 | Sep. 6 |
| Fernley | 7a | May 15 | May 28 | Sep. 25 |
| Mesquite | 9a | March 27 | April 5 | Nov. 8 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Nevada. Among the cities above, Las Vegas has the earliest last frost (around February 11) and Elko the latest (around June 22), about 19 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in Nevada
Most of Nevada is in USDA hardiness zones 5b to 9b. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 199 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Nevada:
- Zone 5 (about 6% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 6 (about 22% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 7 (about 27% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 8 (about 9% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 9 (about 37% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Nevada?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Nevada, the last spring frost comes between February 4 and June 7. In Las Vegas, it is around February 11.
When is the first frost in Nevada?
Across most of Nevada, the first fall frost comes between September 20 and December 4. In Las Vegas, it is around December 1.
What planting zone is Nevada?
Most of Nevada is in USDA hardiness zones 5b to 9b. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Nevada?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Las Vegas, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around February 24. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 9.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.