Frost Dates for Fresno, CA
In Fresno, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 14 and the average first fall frost around Dec 14, for a growing season of about 337 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Feb 11, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Fresno Yosemite Intl. Airport, CA weather station, 4 miles away, elevation 333 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 11 | Nov 29 |
| 20% | Feb 2 | Dec 2 |
| 30% | Jan 29 | Dec 6 |
| 40% | Jan 21 | Dec 10 |
| 50% | Jan 14 | Dec 14 |
| 60% | Jan 9 | Dec 20 |
| 70% | Jan 3 | Dec 28 |
| 80% | Dec 31 | Jan 3 |
| 90% | Dec 22 | Jan 12 |
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) | Feb 15 | Dec 1 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 14 | Dec 14 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 1 | Dec 24 |
Planting calendar for Fresno
Transplant Jan 21 – Feb 4
Transplant Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Jan 21 – Feb 4
Sow or transplant Jan 21 – Feb 4
Sow or transplant Jan 21 – Feb 4
Sow or transplant Jan 28 – Feb 11
Sow or transplant Dec 17 – Dec 31
Fall sowing Oct 19 – Nov 16
Fall sowing Oct 19 – Nov 9
Fall sowing Oct 5 – Oct 19
Sow or transplant Dec 17 – Dec 31
Fall sowing Oct 5 – Nov 2
Transplant Dec 31 – Jan 14
Fall sowing Sep 21 – Oct 5
Transplant Dec 24 – Jan 7
Fall sowing Sep 21 – Oct 5
Fall sowing Sep 21 – Oct 5
Fall sowing Nov 2 – Nov 23
Fall sowing Oct 5 – Oct 19
Plant Dec 17 – Dec 31
Based on the average last frost (Jan 14) and first frost (Dec 14). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.