Frost Dates for Bakersfield, CA
In Bakersfield, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 31 and the average first fall frost around Dec 8, for a growing season of about 312 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Feb 27, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Bakersfield 5 Nw, CA weather station, 5 miles away, elevation 470 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Feb 27 | Nov 23 |
| 20% | Feb 20 | Nov 28 |
| 30% | Feb 12 | Dec 1 |
| 40% | Feb 7 | Dec 5 |
| 50% | Jan 31 | Dec 8 |
| 60% | Jan 25 | Dec 12 |
| 70% | Jan 17 | Dec 16 |
| 80% | Jan 7 | Dec 23 |
| 90% | Dec 31 | Jan 1 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Mar 2 | Nov 26 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 31 | Dec 8 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 3 | Dec 20 |
Planting calendar for Bakersfield
Transplant Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant Feb 14 – Feb 28
Transplant Feb 14 – Feb 28
Transplant Feb 7 – Feb 21
Sow or transplant Feb 7 – Feb 21
Sow or transplant Feb 7 – Feb 21
Sow or transplant Feb 14 – Feb 28
Sow or transplant Jan 3 – Jan 17
Fall sowing Oct 13 – Nov 10
Fall sowing Oct 13 – Nov 3
Fall sowing Sep 29 – Oct 13
Sow or transplant Jan 3 – Jan 17
Fall sowing Sep 29 – Oct 27
Transplant Jan 17 – Jan 31
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Sep 29
Transplant Jan 10 – Jan 24
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Sep 29
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Sep 29
Fall sowing Oct 27 – Nov 17
Fall sowing Sep 29 – Oct 13
Plant Jan 3 – Jan 17
Based on the average last frost (Jan 31) and first frost (Dec 8). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.