Frost Dates for Stockton, CA
In Stockton, CA, the average last spring frost is around Feb 5 and the average first fall frost around Dec 8, for a growing season of about 305 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 11, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Stockton Fire Stn 4, CA weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 12 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 11 | Nov 17 |
| 20% | Feb 28 | Nov 24 |
| 30% | Feb 19 | Nov 28 |
| 40% | Feb 12 | Dec 2 |
| 50% | Feb 5 | Dec 8 |
| 60% | Jan 28 | Dec 13 |
| 70% | Jan 17 | Dec 19 |
| 80% | Jan 6 | Dec 27 |
| 90% | Dec 27 | Jan 6 |
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 4 | Nov 20 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 5 | Dec 8 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 11 | Dec 23 |
Planting calendar for Stockton
Transplant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Sow or transplant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Sow or transplant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Sow or transplant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Sow or transplant Jan 8 – Jan 22
Fall sowing Oct 13 – Nov 10
Fall sowing Oct 13 – Nov 3
Fall sowing Sep 29 – Oct 13
Sow or transplant Jan 8 – Jan 22
Fall sowing Sep 29 – Oct 27
Transplant Jan 22 – Feb 5
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Sep 29
Transplant Jan 15 – Jan 29
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 8 – Jan 22
Based on the average last frost (Feb 5) and first frost (Dec 8). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.