Encino, 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 Encino compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Encino fall between December 30 and December 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 9, or the last frost as late as January 27.
- Nearby Santa Monica, CA, 15 km away, rarely gets frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 9 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 9 |
| 50% (median) | December 30 |
| 90% (late) | January 25 |
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
Encino, 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 Van Nuys Ap, CA weather station, 6 km away (elevation 771 ft (235 m)).
ZIP codes in Encino: 91316 91416 91426 91436
Frost dates near Encino
- Tarzana Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Sherman Oaks Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Van Nuys Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Reseda Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Northridge Jan 2 · Jan 1
- Winnetka Jan 24 · Dec 15
- North Hills Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Panorama City Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Valley Village Jan 2 · Dec 26
- Woodland Hills Jan 24 · Dec 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Encino, CA?
The median last spring frost in Encino, CA is December 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Encino, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 9.
How long is the growing season in Encino, CA?
About 364 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Encino, CA?
Encino, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.