Inyokern, CA frost dates
How Inyokern compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Inyokern falls between February 16 and April 8, a 51-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 2 and December 5.
- The median last frost is 22 days earlier than the California median of Mar 31.
- Its 256-day growing season is longer than 58% of the 636 California places with a regular frost season (state median 235 days).
- The last frost is 7 days earlier than the zone 8b median of Mar 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 58 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Lancaster, CA, 107 km away, the last frost here is 25 days earlier than there and the growing season is 44 days longer.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 16 |
| 50% (median) | March 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 2 |
| 50% (median) | November 20 |
| 90% (late) | December 5 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Inyokern, CA
Inyokern, CA frost dates — last frost Mar 9, first frost Nov 20, zone 8b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Inyokern, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Feb 9 – Mar 16 | Sep 25 – Oct 23 |
| Kale | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Broccoli | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Cabbage | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Okra | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | — |
| Basil | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Jan 26 – Feb 16 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 26 – Feb 16 | Sep 25 – Oct 16 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 2 – Mar 16 | Oct 9 – Oct 30 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 9 – Feb 16 | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 9 – Feb 16 | — | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 9 – Feb 16 | — | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 9 – Feb 16 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 16 – Mar 16 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 16 – Mar 16 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 16 – Mar 9 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 23 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 16 | Sep 25 – Oct 16 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 6 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 6 – Dec 11 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Inyokern, CA weather station, 3 km away (elevation 2,431 ft (741 m)).
Frost dates near Inyokern
- Ridgecrest Mar 11 · Nov 12
- Onyx Apr 5 · Nov 3
- Randsburg Mar 19 · Nov 25
- Little Lake Apr 17 · Nov 1
- Johannesburg Mar 19 · Nov 25
- Cantil Mar 19 · Nov 25
- Weldon Apr 5 · Nov 3
- Red Mountain Mar 19 · Nov 25
- Trona Feb 15 · Nov 28
- Kernville Apr 7 · Nov 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Inyokern, CA?
The median last spring frost in Inyokern, CA is March 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 8, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Inyokern, CA?
The median first fall frost is November 20, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 2.
How long is the growing season in Inyokern, CA?
About 256 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Inyokern, CA?
Inyokern, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 8b.