When is the last frost in Bakersfield, CA?

For ZIP code 93384, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 17, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Bakersfield Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 18.

When is the first frost in Bakersfield, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 15. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 30, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 93384?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 334 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 93384Bakersfield, CA

The average last spring frost in Bakersfield is January 17 and the average first fall frost is December 15, giving a typical growing season of about 334 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 17
Average first fall frost: Dec 15
Growing season: 334 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	Jan 19 · Feb 21 · Mar 26	Nov 16 · Dec 1 · Dec 20	284 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 23 · Jan 17 · Feb 18	Nov 30 · Dec 15 · Jan 12	334 days	90%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 14 · Jan 2 · Jan 23	Dec 7 · Dec 24 · Jan 13	365 days	41%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 93384 is matched to the NOAA station Bakersfield Ap, CA, 7.5 km away, at 489 ft elevation (85 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Bakersfield Ap, CA (used)	489 ft	Jan 17	Dec 15
Bakersfield 5 Nw, CA	470 ft	Jan 31	Dec 8
Shafter 6E, CA	404 ft	Feb 20	Nov 23
Wasco, CA	291 ft	Jan 31	Dec 5

Frost dates near Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA 93302 · last Jan 17, first Dec 15
Edison, CA 93220 · last Jan 17, first Dec 15
Lamont, CA 93241 · last Jan 17, first Dec 15
Arvin, CA 93203 · last Jan 17, first Dec 15
Shafter, CA 93263 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Tupman, CA 93276 · last Feb 9, first Nov 26
Mc Farland, CA 93250 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Keene, CA 93531 · last Mar 15, first Nov 17

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Bakersfield, CA?: For ZIP code 93384, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 17, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Bakersfield Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 18.
When is the first frost in Bakersfield, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 15. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 30, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 93384?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 334 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.