Imperial, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Imperial compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Imperial fall between December 26 and January 4. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 6, or the last frost as late as February 7.
- Nearby Yuma, AZ, 97 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 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 6 |
| 50% (median) | December 26 |
| 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
Imperial, 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 Imperial, CA weather station, about 1 km away (elevation -62 ft (-19 m)).
Frost dates near Imperial
- El Centro Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Seeley Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Brawley Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Holtville Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Heber Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Calexico Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Westmorland Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Calipatria Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Ocotillo Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Niland Feb 5 · Dec 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Imperial, CA?
The median last spring frost in Imperial, CA is January 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Imperial, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 26, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 6.
How long is the growing season in Imperial, CA?
About 356 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Imperial, CA?
Imperial, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.