Frost dates for 93278 — Visalia, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 9 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Visalia compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Visalia fall between December 13 and January 23. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 27, or the last frost as late as February 27.
- Compared with Fresno, CA, 59 km away, the last frost here is 7 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 27 |
| 50% (median) | December 13 |
| 90% (late) | January 8 |
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
Visalia, 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 Visalia, CA weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 302 ft (92 m)).
ZIP codes in Visalia: 93277 93278 93279 93290 93291 93292
Frost dates near Visalia
- Farmersville Jan 23 · Dec 13
- Ivanhoe Jan 23 · Dec 13
- Goshen Jan 23 · Dec 13
- Tulare Jan 23 · Dec 13
- Exeter Feb 5 · Dec 8
- Yettem Jan 23 · Dec 13
- Woodlake Feb 5 · Dec 8
- Cutler Jan 23 · Dec 13
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Visalia, CA?
The median last spring frost in Visalia, CA is January 23. 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 Visalia, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 27.
How long is the growing season in Visalia, CA?
About 324 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Visalia, CA?
Visalia, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.