When is the last frost in Modesto, CA?

For ZIP code 95397, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 31, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Modesto City Co Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 25.

When is the first frost in Modesto, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 5. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 20, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 95397?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 312 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 95397Modesto, CA

The average last spring frost in Modesto is January 31 and the average first fall frost is December 5, giving a typical growing season of about 312 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 31
Average first fall frost: Dec 5
Growing season: 312 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)	Feb 3 · Mar 1 · Mar 31	Nov 8 · Nov 22 · Dec 9	262 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 31 · Jan 31 · Feb 25	Nov 20 · Dec 5 · Jan 6	312 days	97%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 16 · Jan 8 · Feb 6	Dec 1 · Dec 21 · Jan 20	352 days	68%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 95397 is matched to the NOAA station Modesto City Co Ap, CA, 7 km away, at 73 ft elevation (12 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Modesto City Co Ap, CA (used)	73 ft	Jan 31	Dec 5
Turlock #2, CA	103 ft	Jan 6	Dec 20
Tracy Carbona, CA	135 ft	Feb 25	Nov 26
Stockton Metro Ap, CA	26 ft	Feb 6	Dec 1

Frost dates near Modesto

Modesto, CA 95352 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Salida, CA 95368 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Ceres, CA 95307 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Riverbank, CA 95367 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Empire, CA 95319 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Ripon, CA 95366 · last Feb 6, first Dec 1
Keyes, CA 95328 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5
Hughson, CA 95326 · last Jan 31, first Dec 5

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Modesto, CA?: For ZIP code 95397, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 31, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Modesto City Co Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 25.
When is the first frost in Modesto, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 5. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 20, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 95397?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 312 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.