Indian Wells, 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 Indian Wells compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Indian Wells fall between December 27 and December 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 8, or the last frost as late as January 21.
- Indian Wells shares its weather station with Palm Desert, CA, 4 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 10 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 8 |
| 50% (median) | December 27 |
| 90% (late) | January 13 |
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
Indian Wells, 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 Indio Fire Stn, CA weather station, 11 km away (elevation -20 ft (-6 m)).
Frost dates near Indian Wells
- Palm Desert Dec 31 · Dec 27
- La Quinta Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Rancho Mirage Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Thousand Palms Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Cathedral City Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Indio Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Coachella Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Palm Springs Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Desert Hot Springs Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Thermal Feb 7 · Dec 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Indian Wells, CA?
The median last spring frost in Indian Wells, CA is December 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 21, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Indian Wells, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 8.
How long is the growing season in Indian Wells, CA?
About 361 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Indian Wells, CA?
Indian Wells, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.