Frost Dates for Los Banos, CA
In Los Banos, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 26 and the average first fall frost around Dec 10, for a growing season of about 322 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Feb 20, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Los Banos, CA weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 120 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 20 | Nov 26 |
| 20% | Feb 10 | Dec 1 |
| 30% | Feb 4 | Dec 5 |
| 40% | Jan 31 | Dec 8 |
| 50% | Jan 26 | Dec 10 |
| 60% | Jan 19 | Dec 15 |
| 70% | Jan 13 | Dec 20 |
| 80% | Jan 5 | Dec 25 |
| 90% | Dec 29 | Jan 4 |
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 24 | Nov 27 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 26 | Dec 10 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 6 | Dec 24 |
Planting calendar for Los Banos
Transplant Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Feb 2 – Feb 16
Sow or transplant Feb 2 – Feb 16
Sow or transplant Feb 2 – Feb 16
Sow or transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Sow or transplant Dec 29 – Jan 12
Fall sowing Oct 15 – Nov 12
Fall sowing Oct 15 – Nov 5
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 15
Sow or transplant Dec 29 – Jan 12
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 29
Transplant Jan 12 – Jan 26
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 1
Transplant Jan 5 – Jan 19
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 1
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 1
Fall sowing Oct 29 – Nov 19
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 15
Plant Dec 29 – Jan 12
Based on the average last frost (Jan 26) and first frost (Dec 10). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.