El Toro, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How El Toro compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in El Toro fall between December 25 and January 5. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 3, or the last frost as late as February 2.
- El Toro shares its weather station with Lake Forest, CA, 2 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 3 |
| 50% (median) | December 25 |
| 90% (late) | January 20 |
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
El Toro, 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 Tustin Irvine Rch, CA weather station, 10 km away (elevation 236 ft (72 m)).
Frost dates near El Toro
- Lake Forest Jan 5 · Dec 25
- Laguna Hills Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Laguna Woods Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Mission Viejo rare frost
- Foothill Ranch rare frost
- Aliso Viejo Jan 6 · Jan 2
- East Irvine Jan 5 · Dec 25
- Rancho Santa Margarita rare frost
- Trabuco Canyon rare frost
- Ladera Ranch Jan 6 · Jan 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in El Toro, CA?
The median last spring frost in El Toro, CA is January 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in El Toro, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 3.
How long is the growing season in El Toro, CA?
About 354 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is El Toro, CA?
El Toro, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.