Gridley, 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 Gridley compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Gridley fall between December 7 and January 29. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 20, or the last frost as late as February 28.
- Nearby Yuba City, CA, 31 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Feb 11), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 28 |
| 50% (median) | January 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 28 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 20 |
| 50% (median) | December 7 |
| 90% (late) | January 6 |
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 Gridley, CA
Gridley, CA frost dates — last frost Jan 29, first frost Dec 7, 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 Gridley, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 6 – Nov 20 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 20 – Dec 4 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 20 – Dec 4 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Jan 1 – Feb 5 | Oct 12 – Nov 9 |
| Kale | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Broccoli | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Cabbage | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | — | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Okra | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — |
| Basil | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 18 – Jan 8 | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 18 – Jan 8 | Oct 12 – Nov 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 25 – Feb 5 | Oct 26 – Nov 16 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 19 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 8 – Jan 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | Oct 12 – Nov 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 23 – Dec 28 |
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 Oroville Muni Ap, CA weather station, 17 km away (elevation 190 ft (58 m)).
Frost dates near Gridley
- Biggs Jan 29 · Dec 7
- Live Oak Jan 15 · Dec 12
- Richvale Jan 29 · Dec 7
- Palermo Jan 29 · Dec 7
- Sutter Jan 15 · Dec 12
- Nelson Jan 29 · Dec 7
- Butte City Mar 4 · Nov 17
- Canyon Dam Jan 30 · Dec 13
- Bangor Apr 1 · Nov 17
- Oroville Jan 30 · Dec 13
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Gridley, CA?
The median last spring frost in Gridley, CA is January 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 28, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Gridley, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 20.
How long is the growing season in Gridley, CA?
About 312 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Gridley, CA?
Gridley, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.