Cathedral City, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Cathedral City compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Cathedral City fall between January 9 and January 9. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 23, or the last frost as late as January 29.
- Compared with Indio, CA, 27 km away, the last frost here is 9 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 29 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 23 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 90% (late) | January 29 |
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
Cathedral City, 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 Palm Springs Rgnl Ap, CA weather station, 5 km away (elevation 420 ft (128 m)).
ZIP codes in Cathedral City: 92234 92235
Frost dates near Cathedral City
- Rancho Mirage Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Palm Springs Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Thousand Palms Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Palm Desert Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Desert Hot Springs Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Indian Wells Dec 31 · Dec 27
- North Palm Springs Jan 1 · Dec 31
- La Quinta Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Idyllwild May 16 · Oct 24
- Mountain Center May 16 · Oct 24
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Cathedral City, CA?
The median last spring frost in Cathedral City, CA is January 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 29, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Cathedral City, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 23.
How long is the growing season in Cathedral City, CA?
About 365 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Cathedral City, CA?
Cathedral City, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.