Calipatria, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 6 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Calipatria compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Calipatria fall between December 19 and January 16. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 2, or the last frost as late as February 17.
- Compared with Indio, CA, 89 km away, the last frost here is 16 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 21 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 17 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 2 |
| 50% (median) | December 19 |
| 90% (late) | January 17 |
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
Calipatria, 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 Brawley 2 Sw, CA weather station, 24 km away (elevation -98 ft (-30 m)).
Frost dates near Calipatria
- Westmorland Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Brawley Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Niland Feb 5 · Dec 17
- Imperial Jan 4 · Dec 26
- Holtville Jan 3 · Dec 27
- El Centro Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Salton City Jan 7 · Jan 4
- Seeley Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Heber Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Calexico Jan 3 · Dec 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Calipatria, CA?
The median last spring frost in Calipatria, CA is January 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 17, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Calipatria, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 2.
How long is the growing season in Calipatria, CA?
About 337 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Calipatria, CA?
Calipatria, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.