Last frost date in Lathrop, CA
In Lathrop, the last spring frost comes around February 6 in an average year. Wait until February 28 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about December 1, which leaves 304 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 15 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Feb 28
- Average first frost
- Dec 1
- Frost-free season
- 304 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Jan 10
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2251°
- FriOct 2345°
- SatOct 2445°
- SunOct 2548°
- MonOct 2648°
- TueOct 2748°
Planting calendar for Lathrop
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across California.
TomatoesFeb 15–Mar 1
PumpkinsFeb 20–Mar 6
SunflowersFeb 15–Mar 8
CucumbersFeb 22–Mar 1
CornFeb 15–Mar 1
Sweet potatoesFeb 27–Mar 13
WatermelonFeb 20–Mar 6
Green beansFeb 15–Mar 8
ZucchiniFeb 15–Mar 1
OkraFeb 27–Mar 13
PeppersFeb 20–Mar 6
BasilFeb 15–Mar 1
Butternut squashFeb 15–Mar 1
CantaloupeFeb 20–Mar 6
EggplantFeb 20–Mar 6
PotatoesJan 9–Jan 23
OnionsDec 26–Jan 16
CarrotsJan 16–Feb 20
LettuceJan 23–Feb 13
BroccoliJan 9–Jan 23
BeetsJan 9–Feb 20
PeasDec 26–Jan 9
CabbageJan 9–Jan 23
RadishesJan 2–Feb 13
Brussels sproutsJan 23–Feb 6
SpinachDec 26–Jan 16
CilantroJan 23–Feb 13
KaleJan 9–Jan 23
Collard greensJan 9–Jan 23
TurnipsJan 9–Jan 23
DillFeb 6–Feb 20
CeleryFeb 13–Feb 20
CauliflowerJan 23–Feb 6
LeeksJan 23–Feb 6
Swiss chardJan 23–Feb 20
ParsleyJan 23–Feb 13
Tulip bulbsNov 17–Dec 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesJan 9–Jan 23
AsparagusJan 9–Jan 23Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Dec 31 | Feb 6 | Feb 28 | Nov 15 | Dec 1 | Dec 26 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 14 | Jan 10 | Feb 5 | Nov 29 | Dec 16 | Jan 14 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Stockton Metro Airport (USW00023237) sits 7.5 miles from the center of Lathrop at 26 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Lathrop, CA?
The average last frost date in Lathrop is February 6, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after February 28.
When is the first frost in Lathrop?
The first frost in fall usually comes around December 1. One year in ten it arrives before November 15.
How long is the growing season in Lathrop?
About 304 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Lathrop?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 15 to March 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.