Frost dates for 95382 — Turlock, CA
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 Turlock compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Turlock 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.
- Compared with Modesto, CA, 19 km away, the last frost here is 25 days earlier than there.
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
Turlock, 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, 3 km away (elevation 102 ft (31 m)).
ZIP codes in Turlock: 95380 95381 95382
Frost dates near Turlock
- Keyes Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Denair Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Hughson Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Ceres Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Delhi Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Empire Jan 31 · Dec 5
- Hilmar Jan 6 · Dec 20
- Ballico Jan 6 · Dec 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Turlock, CA?
The median last spring frost in Turlock, 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 Turlock, 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 Turlock, CA?
About 348 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Turlock, CA?
Turlock, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.