Escondido, 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 Escondido compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Escondido fall between December 30 and January 2. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 8, or the last frost as late as February 4.
- Compared with Oceanside, CA, 26 km away, the last frost here is 21 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 8 |
| 50% (median) | December 30 |
| 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
Escondido, 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 Escondido #2, CA weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 600 ft (183 m)).
ZIP codes in Escondido: 92025 92026 92027 92029 92030 92033 92046
Frost dates near Escondido
- San Marcos Jan 2 · Dec 30
- Valley Center Feb 19 · Dec 1
- Rancho Santa Fe Jan 5 · Jan 2
- Vista Jan 30 · Jan 7
- Poway Jan 5 · Jan 2
- Encinitas rare frost
- Cardiff By The Sea rare frost
- Carlsbad rare frost
- Bonsall Jan 30 · Jan 7
- Solana Beach rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Escondido, CA?
The median last spring frost in Escondido, CA is January 2. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Escondido, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 8.
How long is the growing season in Escondido, CA?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Escondido, CA?
Escondido, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.