Holtville, 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 Holtville compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Holtville fall between December 27 and January 3. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 9, or the last frost as late as February 4.
- Nearby Yuma, AZ, 78 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 15 |
| 50% (median) | January 3 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 9 |
| 50% (median) | December 27 |
| 90% (late) | January 26 |
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
Holtville, 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 El Centro 2 Ssw, CA weather station, 18 km away (elevation -30 ft (-9 m)).
Frost dates near Holtville
- Heber Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Calexico Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Imperial Jan 4 · Dec 26
- Brawley Jan 16 · Dec 19
- El Centro Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Seeley Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Westmorland Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Calipatria Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Ocotillo Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Winterhaven Jan 8 · Dec 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Holtville, CA?
The median last spring frost in Holtville, CA is January 3. 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 Holtville, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 9.
How long is the growing season in Holtville, CA?
About 358 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Holtville, CA?
Holtville, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.