Last frost date in Merced, CA
Expect the last frost in Merced around March 3. Frost after April 10 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 24, which leaves 263 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 5 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 10
- Average first frost
- Nov 24
- Frost-free season
- 263 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Feb 2
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2253°
- FriOct 2349°
- SatOct 2448°
- SunOct 2550°
- MonOct 2649°
- TueOct 2749°
Planting calendar for Merced
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across California.
TomatoesMar 10–Mar 24
PumpkinsMar 17–Mar 31
SunflowersMar 3–Mar 24
CucumbersMar 17–Mar 24
CornMar 10–Mar 24
Sweet potatoesMar 24–Apr 7
WatermelonMar 17–Mar 31
Green beansMar 10–Mar 31
ZucchiniMar 10–Mar 24
OkraMar 24–Apr 7
PeppersMar 17–Mar 31
BasilMar 10–Mar 24
Butternut squashMar 10–Mar 24
CantaloupeMar 17–Mar 31
EggplantMar 17–Mar 31
PotatoesFeb 3–Feb 17
OnionsJan 20–Feb 10
CarrotsFeb 10–Mar 17
LettuceFeb 17–Mar 10
BroccoliFeb 3–Feb 17
BeetsFeb 3–Mar 17
PeasJan 20–Feb 3
CabbageFeb 3–Feb 17
RadishesJan 27–Mar 10
Brussels sproutsFeb 17–Mar 3
SpinachJan 20–Feb 10
CilantroFeb 17–Mar 10
KaleFeb 3–Feb 17
Collard greensFeb 3–Feb 17
TurnipsFeb 3–Feb 17
DillMar 3–Mar 17
CeleryMar 10–Mar 17
CauliflowerFeb 17–Mar 3
LeeksFeb 17–Mar 3
Swiss chardFeb 17–Mar 17
ParsleyFeb 17–Mar 10
Tulip bulbsNov 10–Dec 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesFeb 3–Feb 17
AsparagusFeb 3–Feb 17Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Feb 2 | Mar 3 | Apr 10 | Nov 5 | Nov 24 | Dec 14 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 28 | Feb 2 | Mar 11 | Nov 22 | Dec 11 | 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 Merced (USC00045532) sits 2.9 miles from the center of Merced at 154 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 Merced, CA?
The average last frost date in Merced is March 3, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 10.
When is the first frost in Merced?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 24. One year in ten it arrives before November 5.
How long is the growing season in Merced?
About 263 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Merced?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 10 to March 24. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.