Ladera Ranch, 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 Ladera Ranch compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Ladera Ranch fall between January 2 and January 6. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 12, or the last frost as late as February 11.
- Nearby Mission Viejo, CA, 8 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 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 90% (late) | February 8 |
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
Ladera Ranch, 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 Laguna Beach, CA weather station, 15 km away (elevation 43 ft (13 m)).
Frost dates near Ladera Ranch
- San Juan Capistrano Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Mission Viejo rare frost
- Laguna Niguel Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Laguna Hills Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Capistrano Beach Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Dana Point Jan 6 · Jan 2
- El Toro Jan 5 · Dec 25
- San Clemente Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Laguna Woods Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Rancho Santa Margarita rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ladera Ranch, CA?
The median last spring frost in Ladera Ranch, CA is January 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ladera Ranch, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 12.
How long is the growing season in Ladera Ranch, CA?
About 361 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ladera Ranch, CA?
Ladera Ranch, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.