Last frost date in Madera, CA
In Madera, the last spring frost comes around February 12 in an average year. Wait until March 17 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 30, which leaves 293 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 14 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Mar 17
- Average first frost
- Nov 30
- Frost-free season
- 293 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Jan 7
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2252°
- FriOct 2349°
- SatOct 2448°
- SunOct 2548°
- MonOct 2648°
- TueOct 2748°
Planting calendar for Madera
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across California.
TomatoesFeb 19–Mar 5
PumpkinsFeb 26–Mar 12
SunflowersFeb 15–Mar 8
CucumbersFeb 26–Mar 5
CornFeb 19–Mar 5
Sweet potatoesMar 5–Mar 19
WatermelonFeb 26–Mar 12
Green beansFeb 19–Mar 12
ZucchiniFeb 19–Mar 5
OkraMar 5–Mar 19
PeppersFeb 26–Mar 12
BasilFeb 19–Mar 5
Butternut squashFeb 19–Mar 5
CantaloupeFeb 26–Mar 12
EggplantFeb 26–Mar 12
PotatoesJan 15–Jan 29
OnionsJan 1–Jan 22
CarrotsJan 22–Feb 26
LettuceJan 29–Feb 19
BroccoliJan 15–Jan 29
BeetsJan 15–Feb 26
PeasJan 1–Jan 15
CabbageJan 15–Jan 29
RadishesJan 8–Feb 19
Brussels sproutsJan 29–Feb 12
SpinachJan 1–Jan 22
CilantroJan 29–Feb 19
KaleJan 15–Jan 29
Collard greensJan 15–Jan 29
TurnipsJan 15–Jan 29
DillFeb 12–Feb 26
CeleryFeb 19–Feb 26
CauliflowerJan 29–Feb 12
LeeksJan 29–Feb 12
Swiss chardJan 29–Feb 26
ParsleyJan 29–Feb 19
Tulip bulbsNov 16–Dec 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesJan 15–Jan 29
AsparagusJan 15–Jan 29Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Jan 6 | Feb 12 | Mar 17 | Nov 14 | Nov 30 | Jan 3 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 11 | Jan 7 | Feb 12 | Nov 24 | Dec 15 | Jan 19 |
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 Madera Municipal Airport (USW00093242) sits 2.0 miles from the center of Madera at 253 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 Madera, CA?
The average last frost date in Madera is February 12, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after March 17.
When is the first frost in Madera?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 30. One year in ten it arrives before November 14.
How long is the growing season in Madera?
About 293 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Madera?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 19 to March 5. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.