Clovis, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 11 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Clovis compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Clovis fall between December 14 and January 14. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 29, or the last frost as late as February 11.
- Compared with Fresno, CA, 8 km away, the last frost here is 16 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 22 |
| 50% (median) | January 14 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 29 |
| 50% (median) | December 14 |
| 90% (late) | January 12 |
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
Clovis, 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 Fresno Yosemite Intl Ap, CA weather station, 6 km away (elevation 335 ft (102 m)).
ZIP codes in Clovis: 93611 93612 93613 93619
Frost dates near Clovis
- Fresno Jan 30 · Dec 11
- Sanger Jan 30 · Dec 11
- Del Rey Jan 30 · Dec 11
- Fowler Jan 30 · Dec 11
- Prather Mar 25 · Dec 3
- Friant Mar 9 · Dec 1
- Parlier Jan 30 · Dec 11
- Selma Jan 30 · Dec 11
- Biola Feb 18 · Nov 27
- Piedra Feb 23 · Dec 12
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Clovis, CA?
The median last spring frost in Clovis, CA is January 14. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Clovis, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 14, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 29.
How long is the growing season in Clovis, CA?
About 334 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Clovis, CA?
Clovis, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.