Last spring frost
Feb 18
Frost Dates for Fresno, CA
First fall frost
Nov 27
Growing season
281 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Fresno, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 18 and the first fall frost is about Nov 27, giving roughly a 281-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 16 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 18 | Mar 25 | Feb 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 18 | Feb 18 | Jan 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 19 | Jan 21 | Dec 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Jan 31 | Dec 31 | Dec 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 18 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 24 |
| 32°F | Mar 18 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 29 | Jan 16 |
| 28°F | Feb 19 | Feb 10 | Feb 2 | Jan 29 | Jan 21 | Jan 13 | Jan 3 | Dec 29 | Dec 20 |
| 24°F | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 11 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 29 | Dec 22 | Dec 17 | Dec 9 |
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 28 | Nov 11 | Nov 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 10 | Nov 27 | Dec 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 24 | Dec 10 | Jan 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 2 | Dec 20 | Jan 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 |
| 32°F | Nov 10 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 18 |
| 28°F | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 | Jan 1 | Jan 18 |
| 24°F | Dec 2 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 21 |
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: Madera, Ca, about 12.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 270 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 Fresno, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fresno, CA is about Feb 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 16.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Fresno, CA typically arrives about Nov 27. 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 18 on average, or Jan 16 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 93723 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026