Last frost date in Shafter, CA
Expect the last frost in Shafter around February 20. Frost after March 9 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 23, which leaves 276 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 5 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Mar 9
- Average first frost
- Nov 23
- Frost-free season
- 276 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Jan 22
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2251°
- FriOct 2349°
- SatOct 2449°
- SunOct 2550°
- MonOct 2649°
- TueOct 2749°
Planting calendar for Shafter
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across California.
TomatoesFeb 27–Mar 13
PumpkinsMar 6–Mar 20
SunflowersFeb 20–Mar 13
CucumbersMar 6–Mar 13
CornFeb 27–Mar 13
Sweet potatoesMar 13–Mar 27
WatermelonMar 6–Mar 20
Green beansFeb 27–Mar 20
ZucchiniFeb 27–Mar 13
OkraMar 13–Mar 27
PeppersMar 6–Mar 20
BasilFeb 27–Mar 13
Butternut squashFeb 27–Mar 13
CantaloupeMar 6–Mar 20
EggplantMar 6–Mar 20
PotatoesJan 23–Feb 6
OnionsJan 9–Jan 30
CarrotsJan 30–Mar 6
LettuceFeb 6–Feb 27
BroccoliJan 23–Feb 6
BeetsJan 23–Mar 6
PeasJan 9–Jan 23
CabbageJan 23–Feb 6
RadishesJan 16–Feb 27
Brussels sproutsFeb 6–Feb 20
SpinachJan 9–Jan 30
CilantroFeb 6–Feb 27
KaleJan 23–Feb 6
Collard greensJan 23–Feb 6
TurnipsJan 23–Feb 6
DillFeb 20–Mar 6
CeleryFeb 27–Mar 6
CauliflowerFeb 6–Feb 20
LeeksFeb 6–Feb 20
Swiss chardFeb 6–Mar 6
ParsleyFeb 6–Feb 27
Tulip bulbsNov 9–Dec 14
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesJan 23–Feb 6
AsparagusJan 23–Feb 6Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Jan 17 | Feb 20 | Mar 9 | Nov 5 | Nov 23 | Dec 9 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 22 | Jan 22 | Feb 22 | Nov 21 | Dec 6 | Jan 5 |
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 Shafter 6E (USC00048122) sits 3.2 miles from the center of Shafter at 404 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 Shafter, CA?
The average last frost date in Shafter is February 20, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after March 9.
When is the first frost in Shafter?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 23. One year in ten it arrives before November 5.
How long is the growing season in Shafter?
About 276 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Shafter?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 27 to March 13. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in California
- OildaleJan 31
- WascoJan 31
- BakersfieldJan 31
- East NilesJan 31
- DelanoJan 31
- PortervilleJan 20
- CorcoranFeb 15
- TulareJan 23
- VisaliaJan 23
- HanfordFeb 7
- LemooreFeb 24
- RosamondApr 3