Keyes, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 12 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Keyes compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Keyes fall between December 5 and January 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 20, or the last frost as late as February 25.
- Compared with Turlock, CA, 8 km away, the last frost here is 25 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 31 |
| 50% (median) | January 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 20 |
| 50% (median) | December 5 |
| 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 Keyes, CA
Keyes, CA frost dates — last frost Jan 31, first frost Dec 5, 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 Keyes, 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 10 – Nov 7 |
| Kale | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Sep 26 – Oct 17 |
| Broccoli | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | — | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| Cabbage | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | — | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | — | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| 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 12 – Oct 3 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 20 – Jan 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 31 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 27 – Feb 7 | Oct 24 – Nov 14 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | Feb 14 – Feb 21 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Sep 19 – Oct 3 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | — | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
| 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 12 – Sep 26 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 10 – Feb 7 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 10 – Jan 31 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 17 – Feb 14 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 17 – Feb 7 | Oct 10 – Oct 31 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 28 | Sep 19 – Oct 3 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 14 – Mar 7 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 21 – Dec 26 |
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 Modesto City Co Ap, CA weather station, 8 km away (elevation 72 ft (22 m)).
Frost dates near Keyes
- Ceres Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Hughson Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Turlock Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Empire Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Denair Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Modesto Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Hilmar Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Crows Landing Feb 26 · Nov 29
- Riverbank Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Delhi Jan 6 · Dec 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Keyes, CA?
The median last spring frost in Keyes, CA is January 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 25, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Keyes, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 5, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 20.
How long is the growing season in Keyes, CA?
About 308 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Keyes, CA?
Keyes, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.