Waterford, 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 Waterford compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Waterford fall between December 20 and January 6. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 3, or the last frost as late as January 31.
- Waterford shares its weather station with Turlock, CA, 20 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 31 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 3 |
| 50% (median) | December 20 |
| 90% (late) | January 16 |
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
Waterford, 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 Turlock #2, CA weather station, 20 km away (elevation 102 ft (31 m)).
Frost dates near Waterford
- Hickman Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Denair Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Hughson Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Empire Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Oakdale Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Keyes Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Turlock Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Riverbank Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Ceres Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Ballico Jan 6 · Dec 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Waterford, CA?
The median last spring frost in Waterford, CA is January 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 31, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Waterford, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 20, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 3.
How long is the growing season in Waterford, CA?
About 348 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Waterford, CA?
Waterford, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.