Ahwahnee, CA frost dates
How Ahwahnee compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Ahwahnee falls between May 3 and June 11, a 39-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 24 and November 1.
- The median last frost is 54 days later than the California median of Mar 31.
- Its 139-day growing season is longer than 12% of the 636 California places with a regular frost season (state median 235 days).
- The last frost is 82 days later than the zone 9a median of Mar 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 9a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 159 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Madera, CA, 55 km away, the last frost here is 95 days later than there and the growing season is 143 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 3 |
| 50% (median) | May 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 24 |
| 50% (median) | October 10 |
| 90% (late) | November 1 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Ahwahnee, CA
Ahwahnee, CA frost dates — last frost May 24, first frost Oct 10, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Ahwahnee, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 3 – May 17 | Apr 26 – May 31 | Aug 15 – Sep 12 |
| Kale | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Apr 26 – May 10 | Apr 26 – May 10 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Broccoli | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 10 – May 24 | — | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Cabbage | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 3 – May 17 | — | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 10 – May 24 | — | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Okra | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 | — |
| Basil | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | May 31 – Jun 14 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | Jul 18 – Aug 8 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 19 – May 31 | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 26 – May 3 | Jun 7 – Jun 14 | May 31 – Jun 14 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 26 – May 3 | — | May 31 – Jun 14 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 26 – May 3 | — | May 31 – Jun 14 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 26 – May 3 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 3 – May 31 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Beets | — | — | May 3 – May 31 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 3 – May 24 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 10 – Jun 7 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 10 – May 31 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 31 – Jun 21 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 31 – Jun 14 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Jun 7 – Jun 28 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 26 – Oct 31 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the So Entrance Yosemite Np, CA weather station, 14 km away (elevation 5,046 ft (1,538 m)).
Frost dates near Ahwahnee
- Oakhurst Apr 24 · Nov 4
- Fish Camp May 24 · Oct 10
- Bass Lake Apr 24 · Nov 4
- Raymond Apr 24 · Nov 4
- Mariposa May 24 · Oct 10
- Wishon Apr 24 · Nov 4
- Coarsegold Apr 24 · Nov 4
- O Neals Mar 25 · Dec 3
- Midpines May 12 · Nov 1
- North Fork Apr 24 · Nov 4
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ahwahnee, CA?
The median last spring frost in Ahwahnee, CA is May 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ahwahnee, CA?
The median first fall frost is October 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 24.
How long is the growing season in Ahwahnee, CA?
About 139 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ahwahnee, CA?
Ahwahnee, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.