Desert Center, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 1 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Desert Center compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Desert Center fall between January 8 and January 10. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 26, or the last frost as late as February 14.
- Compared with Indio, CA, 76 km away, the last frost here is 10 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 30 |
| 50% (median) | January 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 26 |
| 50% (median) | January 8 |
| 90% (late) | February 10 |
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
Desert Center, 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 Eagle Mtn, CA weather station, 8 km away (elevation 974 ft (297 m)).
Frost dates near Desert Center
- Niland Feb 5 · Dec 17
- Mecca Jan 6 · Dec 22
- Blythe Jan 25 · Dec 12
- Calipatria Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Indio Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Palo Verde Jan 5 · Dec 21
- Coachella Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Twentynine Palms Jan 24 · Dec 10
- Salton City Jan 7 · Jan 4
- Thermal Feb 7 · Dec 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Desert Center, CA?
The median last spring frost in Desert Center, CA is January 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Desert Center, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 8, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 26.
How long is the growing season in Desert Center, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Desert Center, CA?
Desert Center, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.