Shafter, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 25 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Shafter compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Shafter fall between December 5 and January 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 21, or the last frost as late as February 27.
- Compared with Delano, CA, 31 km away, the last frost here is the same as there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 2 |
| 50% (median) | January 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 21 |
| 50% (median) | December 5 |
| 90% (late) | January 2 |
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 Shafter, CA
Shafter, CA frost dates — last frost Jan 31, first frost Dec 5, zone 9a. 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 Shafter, 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 Wasco, CA weather station, 12 km away (elevation 292 ft (89 m)).
Frost dates near Shafter
- Buttonwillow Feb 9 · Nov 26
- Mc Farland Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Wasco Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Tupman Feb 9 · Nov 26
- Delano Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Bakersfield Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Richgrove Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Mc Kittrick Feb 9 · Nov 26
- Lost Hills Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Edison Jan 31 · Dec 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Shafter, CA?
The median last spring frost in Shafter, CA is January 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Shafter, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 5, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 21.
How long is the growing season in Shafter, CA?
About 308 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Shafter, CA?
Shafter, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.