Delano, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 18 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Delano compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Delano fall between December 8 and January 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 23, or the last frost as late as March 5.
- Compared with Porterville, CA, 37 km away, the last frost here is 11 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 30 |
| 50% (median) | January 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 5 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 23 |
| 50% (median) | December 8 |
| 90% (late) | December 30 |
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 Delano, CA
Delano, CA frost dates — last frost Jan 31, first frost Dec 8, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Delano, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 8 – Nov 22 | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 22 – Dec 6 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 22 – Dec 6 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Jan 3 – Feb 7 | Oct 13 – Nov 10 |
| Kale | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Sep 29 – Oct 20 |
| Broccoli | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | — | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Cabbage | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | — | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | — | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Okra | Dec 20 – Jan 3 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | — |
| Basil | Dec 20 – Jan 3 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 20 – Jan 10 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 20 – Jan 10 | Oct 13 – Nov 3 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 27 – Feb 7 | Oct 27 – Nov 17 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | Feb 14 – Feb 21 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | — | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | — | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 10 – Feb 7 | Sep 15 – Sep 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 10 – Feb 7 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 10 – Jan 31 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 17 – Feb 14 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 17 – Feb 7 | Oct 13 – Nov 3 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 28 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 14 – Mar 7 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 24 – Dec 29 |
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 Delano, CA weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 302 ft (92 m)).
ZIP codes in Delano: 93215 93216
Frost dates near Delano
- Mc Farland Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Richgrove Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Earlimart Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Pixley Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Ducor Jan 20 · Dec 13
- Wasco Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Alpaugh Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Terra Bella Jan 20 · Dec 13
- Shafter Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Tipton Feb 15 · Nov 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Delano, CA?
The median last spring frost in Delano, CA is January 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 5, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Delano, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 8, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 23.
How long is the growing season in Delano, CA?
About 311 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Delano, CA?
Delano, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.