Harman US

Frost Dates for Bakersfield, CA

Last spring frost
Jan 17
First fall frost
Dec 15
Growing season
334 days
Hardiness zone
9b

In an average year around Bakersfield, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 17 and the first fall frost is about Dec 15, giving roughly a 334-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 23 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 - Bakersfield, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Mar 26 Feb 21 Jan 19
Freeze (32°F) Feb 18 Jan 17 Dec 23
Hard (28°F) Jan 23 Jan 2 Dec 14
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Mar 26 Mar 12 Mar 3 Feb 27 Feb 21 Feb 12 Feb 5 Jan 31 Jan 19
32°F Feb 18 Feb 5 Jan 31 Jan 24 Jan 17 Jan 12 Jan 6 Dec 31 Dec 23
28°F Jan 23 Jan 14 Jan 10 Jan 6 Jan 2 Dec 31 Dec 27 Dec 21 Dec 14

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 - Bakersfield, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Nov 16 Dec 1 Dec 20
Freeze (32°F) Nov 30 Dec 15 Jan 12
Hard (28°F) Dec 7 Dec 24 Jan 13
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Nov 16 Nov 22 Nov 25 Nov 29 Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 7 Dec 12 Dec 20
32°F Nov 30 Dec 3 Dec 7 Dec 11 Dec 15 Dec 19 Dec 26 Jan 2 Jan 12
28°F Dec 7 Dec 12 Dec 16 Dec 21 Dec 24 Dec 30 Jan 2 Jan 8 Jan 13

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: Bakersfield Ap, Ca, about 15.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 489 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 Bakersfield, CA?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Bakersfield, CA is about Jan 17. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 23.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Bakersfield, CA typically arrives about Dec 15. 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 17 on average, or Dec 23 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 334 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 93306 Planting calendar → California frost dates →

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