Porterville, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 15 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Porterville compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Porterville fall between December 13 and January 20. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 26, or the last frost as late as February 22.
- Compared with Tulare, CA, 34 km away, the last frost here is 3 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 25 |
| 50% (median) | January 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 22 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 26 |
| 50% (median) | December 13 |
| 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.
Gardening where frost is rare
Porterville, 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 Porterville, CA weather station, 2 km away (elevation 394 ft (120 m)).
ZIP codes in Porterville: 93257 93258
Frost dates near Porterville
- Terra Bella Jan 20 · Dec 13
- Strathmore Feb 20 · Nov 30
- Ducor Jan 20 · Dec 13
- Lindsay Feb 20 · Nov 30
- Springville Jan 20 · Dec 13
- Pixley Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Tipton Feb 15 · Nov 27
- Richgrove Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Exeter Feb 5 · Dec 8
- Earlimart Jan 31 · Dec 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Porterville, CA?
The median last spring frost in Porterville, CA is January 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 22, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Porterville, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 26.
How long is the growing season in Porterville, CA?
About 327 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Porterville, CA?
Porterville, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.