Ione, 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 Ione compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Ione fall between December 17 and January 22. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as March 1.
- Nearby Lodi, CA, 38 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Feb 9), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 23 |
| 50% (median) | January 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 17 |
| 90% (late) | January 17 |
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
Ione, 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 Camp Pardee, CA weather station, 13 km away (elevation 659 ft (201 m)).
Frost dates near Ione
- Campo Seco Jan 22 · Dec 17
- Amador City Mar 4 · Dec 11
- Drytown Mar 4 · Dec 11
- Martell Mar 4 · Dec 11
- Wallace Jan 22 · Dec 17
- Sutter Creek Mar 4 · Dec 11
- Jackson Mar 4 · Dec 11
- Burson Jan 22 · Dec 17
- Plymouth Mar 4 · Dec 11
- Clements Feb 9 · Dec 5
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ione, CA?
The median last spring frost in Ione, CA is January 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ione, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 17, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Ione, CA?
About 329 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ione, CA?
Ione, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.