Bard, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Bard compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Bard fall between December 28 and January 8. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 11, or the last frost as late as February 19.
- Nearby Yuma, AZ, 11 km away, rarely gets frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 17 |
| 50% (median) | January 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 19 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 11 |
| 50% (median) | December 28 |
| 90% (late) | February 7 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Bard, CA only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Yuma Quartermaster Depot, AZ weather station, 8 km away (elevation 161 ft (49 m)).
Frost dates near Bard
- Winterhaven Jan 8 · Dec 28
- Palo Verde Jan 5 · Dec 21
- Holtville Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Heber Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Calexico Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Blythe Jan 25 · Dec 12
- Brawley Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Imperial Jan 4 · Dec 26
- Calipatria Jan 16 · Dec 19
- El Centro Jan 6 · Dec 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bard, CA?
The median last spring frost in Bard, CA is January 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 19, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bard, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 11.
How long is the growing season in Bard, CA?
About 354 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bard, CA?
Bard, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.