Last frost date in Modesto, CA
In Modesto, the last spring frost comes around January 31 in an average year. Wait until February 25 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about December 5, which leaves 312 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 20 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Feb 25
- Average first frost
- Dec 5
- Frost-free season
- 312 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Jan 8
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2256°
- FriOct 2347°
- SatOct 2448°
- SunOct 2550°
- MonOct 2650°
- TueOct 2750°
Planting calendar for Modesto
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across California.
TomatoesFeb 15–Mar 1
PumpkinsFeb 15–Mar 1
SunflowersFeb 15–Mar 8
CucumbersFeb 22–Mar 1
CornFeb 15–Mar 1
Sweet potatoesFeb 21–Mar 7
WatermelonFeb 15–Mar 1
Green beansFeb 15–Mar 8
ZucchiniFeb 15–Mar 1
OkraFeb 21–Mar 7
PeppersFeb 15–Mar 1
BasilFeb 15–Mar 1
Butternut squashFeb 15–Mar 1
CantaloupeFeb 15–Mar 1
EggplantFeb 15–Mar 1
PotatoesJan 3–Jan 17
OnionsDec 20–Jan 10
CarrotsJan 10–Feb 14
LettuceJan 17–Feb 7
BroccoliJan 3–Jan 17
BeetsJan 3–Feb 14
PeasDec 20–Jan 3
CabbageJan 3–Jan 17
RadishesDec 27–Feb 7
Brussels sproutsJan 17–Jan 31
SpinachDec 20–Jan 10
CilantroJan 17–Feb 7
KaleJan 3–Jan 17
Collard greensJan 3–Jan 17
TurnipsJan 3–Jan 17
DillJan 31–Feb 14
CeleryFeb 7–Feb 14
CauliflowerJan 17–Jan 31
LeeksJan 17–Jan 31
Swiss chardJan 17–Feb 14
ParsleyJan 17–Feb 7
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesJan 3–Jan 17
AsparagusJan 3–Jan 17Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Dec 31 | Jan 31 | Feb 25 | Nov 20 | Dec 5 | Jan 6 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 16 | Jan 8 | Feb 6 | Dec 1 | Dec 21 | Jan 20 |
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 Modesto City County Airport (USW00023258) sits 3.0 miles from the center of Modesto at 73 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 Modesto, CA?
The average last frost date in Modesto is January 31, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after February 25.
When is the first frost in Modesto?
The first frost in fall usually comes around December 5. One year in ten it arrives before November 20.
How long is the growing season in Modesto?
About 312 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Modesto?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 15 to March 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.