Exeter, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 16 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Exeter compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Exeter fall between December 8 and February 5. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 23, or the last frost as late as March 20.
- Compared with Visalia, CA, 15 km away, the last frost here is 13 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 1 |
| 50% (median) | February 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 20 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 23 |
| 50% (median) | December 8 |
| 90% (late) | January 8 |
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 Exeter, CA
Exeter, CA frost dates — last frost Feb 5, 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 Exeter, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 13 – Nov 27 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 27 – Dec 11 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 27 – Dec 11 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Jan 8 – Feb 12 | Oct 13 – Nov 10 |
| Kale | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Sep 29 – Oct 20 |
| Broccoli | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | — | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Cabbage | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | — | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Okra | Dec 25 – Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | — |
| Basil | Dec 25 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 25 – Jan 15 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 25 – Jan 15 | Oct 13 – Nov 3 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 1 – Feb 12 | Oct 27 – Nov 17 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Sep 15 – Sep 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 22 – Feb 19 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 22 – Feb 12 | Oct 13 – Nov 3 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 19 – Mar 12 | — | — |
| 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 Lemon Cove, CA weather station, 13 km away (elevation 512 ft (156 m)).
Frost dates near Exeter
- Farmersville Jan 23 · Dec 13
- Lindsay Feb 20 · Nov 30
- Ivanhoe Jan 23 · Dec 13
- Woodlake Feb 5 · Dec 8
- Visalia Jan 23 · Dec 13
- Strathmore Feb 20 · Nov 30
- Yettem Jan 23 · Dec 13
- Tulare Jan 23 · Dec 13
- Lemon Cove Mar 16 · Nov 26
- Three Rivers Mar 16 · Nov 26
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Exeter, CA?
The median last spring frost in Exeter, CA is February 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 20, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Exeter, 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 Exeter, CA?
About 306 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Exeter, CA?
Exeter, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.