Acton, CA frost dates
How Acton compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Acton falls between February 12 and April 11, a 58-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 3 and December 4.
- The median last frost is 21 days earlier than the California median of Mar 31.
- Its 254-day growing season is longer than 57% of the 636 California places with a regular frost season (state median 235 days).
- The last frost is 7 days later than the zone 9a median of Mar 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 9a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 38 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Acton shares its weather station with Palmdale, CA, 15 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 12 |
| 50% (median) | March 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 3 |
| 50% (median) | November 19 |
| 90% (late) | December 4 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Acton, CA
Acton, CA frost dates — last frost Mar 10, first frost Nov 19, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Acton, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 16 – Dec 30 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 30 – Jan 13 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 30 – Jan 13 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Feb 10 – Mar 17 | Sep 24 – Oct 22 |
| Kale | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Sep 10 – Oct 1 |
| Broccoli | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| Cabbage | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| Okra | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — |
| Basil | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Jan 27 – Feb 17 | Aug 27 – Sep 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 27 – Feb 17 | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 3 – Mar 17 | Oct 8 – Oct 29 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 10 – Feb 17 | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 10 – Feb 17 | — | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 10 – Feb 17 | — | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 10 – Feb 17 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 17 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 17 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 24 – Mar 24 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 24 – Mar 17 | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 7 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 24 – Apr 14 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 5 – Dec 10 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Palmdale, CA weather station, 15 km away (elevation 2,612 ft (796 m)).
Frost dates near Acton
- Palmdale Mar 10 · Nov 19
- Littlerock Mar 13 · Dec 1
- Canyon Country Jan 8 · Jan 1
- Lancaster Apr 3 · Nov 1
- Tujunga Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Sunland Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Pearblossom Mar 13 · Dec 1
- La Crescenta Jan 2 · Dec 26
- Sylmar Jan 2 · Jan 1
- La Canada Flintridge Jan 8 · Jan 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Acton, CA?
The median last spring frost in Acton, CA is March 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Acton, CA?
The median first fall frost is November 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 3.
How long is the growing season in Acton, CA?
About 254 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Acton, CA?
Acton, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.