Taft, 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 Taft compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Taft fall between December 17 and January 24. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as March 12.
- Compared with Bakersfield, CA, 47 km away, the last frost here is 7 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 25 |
| 50% (median) | January 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 12 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 17 |
| 90% (late) | January 15 |
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
Taft, 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 Taft, CA weather station, 2 km away (elevation 774 ft (236 m)).
Frost dates near Taft
- Fellows Jan 24 · Dec 17
- Maricopa Jan 24 · Dec 17
- Tupman Feb 9 · Nov 26
- Mc Kittrick Feb 9 · Nov 26
- Buttonwillow Feb 9 · Nov 26
- New Cuyama Apr 15 · Nov 4
- Shafter Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Pine Mountain Club Apr 15 · Nov 26
- Bakersfield Jan 31 · Dec 8
- Lamont Jan 31 · Dec 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Taft, CA?
The median last spring frost in Taft, CA is January 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 12, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Taft, 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 Taft, CA?
About 327 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Taft, CA?
Taft, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.