Harman US

Frost Dates for Visalia, CA

Last spring frost
Jan 23
First fall frost
Dec 13
Growing season
328 days
Hardiness zone
9b

In an average year around Visalia, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 23 and the first fall frost is about Dec 13, giving roughly a 328-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 29 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.

Last spring frost - Visalia, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 2 Feb 27 Jan 26
Freeze (32°F) Feb 27 Jan 23 Dec 29
Hard (28°F) Jan 24 Jan 2 Dec 16
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 2 Mar 20 Mar 10 Mar 3 Feb 27 Feb 19 Feb 11 Feb 3 Jan 26
32°F Feb 27 Feb 10 Feb 2 Jan 29 Jan 23 Jan 17 Jan 10 Jan 3 Dec 29
28°F Jan 24 Jan 17 Jan 11 Jan 6 Jan 2 Dec 31 Dec 29 Dec 24 Dec 16

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.

First fall frost - Visalia, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Nov 15 Nov 29 Dec 16
Freeze (32°F) Nov 27 Dec 13 Jan 8
Hard (28°F) Dec 9 Dec 25 Jan 12
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Nov 15 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 26 Nov 29 Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 8 Dec 16
32°F Nov 27 Dec 2 Dec 6 Dec 9 Dec 13 Dec 17 Dec 22 Dec 31 Jan 8
28°F Dec 9 Dec 13 Dec 17 Dec 22 Dec 25 Dec 29 Jan 1 Jan 3 Jan 12

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

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Visalia, Ca, about 4.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 303 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
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 Visalia, CA?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Visalia, CA is about Jan 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 29.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Visalia, CA typically arrives about Dec 13. 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 Jan 23 on average, or Dec 29 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 328 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 93277 Planting calendar → California frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026