Lake Hughes, CA frost dates
How Lake Hughes compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Lake Hughes falls between February 20 and May 20, a 89-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 5 and December 15.
- The median last frost is 6 days later than the California median of Mar 31.
- Its 237-day growing season is longer than 51% of the 636 California places with a regular frost season (state median 235 days).
- The last frost is 34 days later than the zone 9a median of Mar 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 9a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 24 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Nearby Valencia, CA, 28 km away, gets only light, occasional frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 20 |
| 50% (median) | April 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 20 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 5 |
| 50% (median) | November 29 |
| 90% (late) | December 15 |
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 Lake Hughes, CA
Lake Hughes, CA frost dates — last frost Apr 6, first frost Nov 29, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Lake Hughes, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 9 – Apr 13 | Oct 4 – Nov 1 |
| Kale | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Broccoli | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Cabbage | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | — | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Okra | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 27 – May 11 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — |
| Basil | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 16 | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 16 | Oct 4 – Oct 25 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 2 – Apr 13 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | — | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | — | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 13 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 13 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 20 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | Oct 4 – Oct 25 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 13 – May 4 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 20 – May 11 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 15 – Dec 20 |
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 Fairmont, CA weather station, 11 km away (elevation 3,061 ft (933 m)).
Frost dates near Lake Hughes
- Castaic Jan 8 · Jan 1
- Rosamond Apr 3 · Nov 1
- Valencia Jan 8 · Jan 1
- Santa Clarita Jan 8 · Jan 1
- Canyon Country Jan 8 · Jan 1
- Newhall Jan 8 · Jan 1
- Stevenson Ranch Jan 8 · Jan 1
- Piru Jan 8 · Jan 1
- Lebec Apr 15 · Nov 26
- Lancaster Apr 3 · Nov 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lake Hughes, CA?
The median last spring frost in Lake Hughes, CA is April 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 20, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Lake Hughes, CA?
The median first fall frost is November 29, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 5.
How long is the growing season in Lake Hughes, CA?
About 237 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Lake Hughes, CA?
Lake Hughes, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.