Frost Dates for Madera, CA
In Madera, CA, the average last spring frost is around Feb 12 and the average first fall frost around Nov 30, for a growing season of about 293 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 17, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Madera Muni Airport, CA weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 253 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% | Mar 17 | Nov 14 |
| 20% | Mar 5 | Nov 20 |
| 30% | Feb 27 | Nov 24 |
| 40% | Feb 19 | Nov 27 |
| 50% | Feb 12 | Nov 30 |
| 60% | Feb 6 | Dec 2 |
| 70% | Jan 29 | Dec 7 |
| 80% | Jan 19 | Dec 15 |
| 90% | Jan 6 | Jan 3 |
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 23 | Nov 15 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 12 | Nov 30 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 7 | Dec 15 |
Planting calendar for Madera
Transplant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Sow or transplant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Sow or transplant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Sow or transplant Feb 26 – Mar 12
Sow or transplant Jan 15 – Jan 29
Fall sowing Oct 5 – Nov 2
Fall sowing Oct 5 – Oct 26
Fall sowing Sep 21 – Oct 5
Sow or transplant Jan 15 – Jan 29
Fall sowing Sep 21 – Oct 19
Transplant Jan 29 – Feb 12
Fall sowing Sep 7 – Sep 21
Transplant Jan 22 – Feb 5
Fall sowing Sep 7 – Sep 21
Fall sowing Sep 7 – Sep 21
Fall sowing Oct 19 – Nov 9
Fall sowing Sep 21 – Oct 5
Plant Jan 15 – Jan 29
Based on the average last frost (Feb 12) and first frost (Nov 30). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.