Last spring frost
Jan 26
Frost Dates for Los Banos, CA
First fall frost
Dec 10
Growing season
322 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Los Banos, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 26 and the first fall frost is about Dec 10, giving roughly a 322-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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 3 | Feb 24 | Jan 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Feb 20 | Jan 26 | Dec 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 4 | Jan 6 | Dec 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Jan 15 | Jan 1 | Dec 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 3 | Mar 20 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 26 |
| 32°F | Feb 20 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 13 | Jan 5 | Dec 29 |
| 28°F | Feb 4 | Jan 26 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 | Dec 17 |
| 24°F | Jan 15 | Jan 10 | Jan 7 | Jan 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 30 | Dec 25 | Dec 22 | 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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Nov 12 | Nov 27 | Dec 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 26 | Dec 10 | Jan 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 6 | Dec 24 | Jan 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 12 | Dec 29 | Jan 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 |
| 32°F | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Jan 4 |
| 28°F | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 19 |
| 24°F | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 22 | Dec 25 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 4 | 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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Los Banos, Ca, about 2.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 120 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 Los Banos, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Los Banos, CA is about Jan 26. 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 Los Banos, CA typically arrives about Dec 10. 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 26 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 322 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 93635 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026