Ballico, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 7 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Ballico compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Ballico fall between December 20 and January 6. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 3, or the last frost as late as January 31.
- Ballico shares its weather station with Turlock, CA, 15 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 31 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 3 |
| 50% (median) | December 20 |
| 90% (late) | January 16 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Ballico, CA only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Turlock #2, CA weather station, 14 km away (elevation 102 ft (31 m)).
Frost dates near Ballico
- Cressey Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Delhi Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Livingston Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Winton Mar 3 · Nov 24
- Denair Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Atwater Mar 3 · Nov 24
- Turlock Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Hilmar Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Hickman Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Stevinson Mar 28 · Nov 14
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ballico, CA?
The median last spring frost in Ballico, CA is January 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 31, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ballico, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 20, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 3.
How long is the growing season in Ballico, CA?
About 348 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ballico, CA?
Ballico, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.