When is the last frost in Waterford, CA?

For ZIP code 95386, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 6, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Turlock #2, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after January 31.

When is the first frost in Waterford, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 20. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 3, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 95386?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 351 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 95386Waterford, CA

The average last spring frost in Waterford is January 6 and the average first fall frost is December 20, giving a typical growing season of about 351 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 6
Average first fall frost: Dec 20
Growing season: 351 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 2 · Jan 31 · Feb 26	Nov 21 · Dec 7 · Jan 3	312 days	98%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 14 · Jan 6 · Jan 31	Dec 3 · Dec 20 · Jan 16	351 days	68%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 10 · Dec 30 · Jan 20	Dec 8 · Dec 24 · Jan 16	365 days	20%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 95386 is matched to the NOAA station Turlock #2, CA, 19.6 km away, at 103 ft elevation (107 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Turlock #2, CA (used)	103 ft	Jan 6	Dec 20
Modesto City Co Ap, CA	73 ft	Jan 31	Dec 5
Merced, CA	154 ft	Mar 3	Nov 24
New Melones Dam Hq, CA	960 ft	Feb 20	Dec 11

Frost dates near Waterford

Hickman, CA 95323 · last Jan 6, first Dec 20
Denair, CA 95316 · last Jan 6, first Dec 20
Hughson, CA 95326 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Modesto, CA 95357 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Empire, CA 95319 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Oakdale, CA 95361 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Turlock, CA 95382 · last Jan 6, first Dec 20
Keyes, CA 95328 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Waterford, CA?: For ZIP code 95386, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 6, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Turlock #2, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after January 31.
When is the first frost in Waterford, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 20. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 3, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 95386?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 351 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.