Death Valley, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 9 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Death Valley compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Death Valley fall between December 19 and January 1. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 4, or the last frost as late as January 21.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 4 |
| 50% (median) | December 19 |
| 90% (late) | January 4 |
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
Death Valley, 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 Death Valley Np, CA weather station, 2 km away (elevation -194 ft (-59 m)).
Frost dates near Death Valley
- Darwin Apr 17 · Nov 1
- Shoshone Mar 29 · Nov 3
- Keeler Apr 17 · Nov 1
- Trona Feb 15 · Nov 28
- Tecopa Mar 29 · Nov 3
- Olancha Apr 17 · Nov 1
- Lone Pine Mar 31 · Nov 9
- Little Lake Apr 17 · Nov 1
- Ridgecrest Mar 11 · Nov 12
- Independence Mar 31 · Nov 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Death Valley, CA?
The median last spring frost in Death Valley, CA is January 1. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 21, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Death Valley, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 4.
How long is the growing season in Death Valley, CA?
About 352 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Death Valley, CA?
Death Valley, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.