Last spring frost
Feb 19
Frost Dates for Avenal, CA
First fall frost
Nov 29
Growing season
281 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Avenal, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 19 and the first fall frost is about Nov 29, giving roughly a 281-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 21 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 8 | Mar 17 | Feb 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 19 | Jan 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 23 | Jan 24 | Dec 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Jan 31 | Jan 2 | Dec 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 8 | Apr 2 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 20 |
| 32°F | Mar 15 | Mar 8 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 |
| 28°F | Feb 23 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 18 | Jan 11 | Jan 3 | Dec 26 |
| 24°F | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 13 | Jan 7 | Jan 2 | Dec 31 | Dec 26 | Dec 21 | Dec 15 |
| 20°F | Jan 16 | Jan 11 | Jan 5 | Jan 1 | Dec 31 | Dec 29 | Dec 25 | Dec 22 | Dec 17 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 15 | Nov 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 14 | Nov 29 | Dec 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 25 | Dec 12 | Jan 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 4 | Dec 22 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 |
| 32°F | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 17 |
| 28°F | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 23 | Jan 2 | Jan 15 |
| 24°F | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 24 | Dec 28 | Dec 30 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 14 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Kettleman City, Ca, about 9.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 240 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Avenal, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Avenal, CA is about Feb 19. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 21.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Avenal, CA typically arrives about Nov 29. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Feb 19 on average, or Jan 21 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 281 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 93204 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026