Lakeside, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 3 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Lakeside compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Lakeside fall between December 21 and January 6. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as February 7.
- Lakeside shares its weather station with Santee, CA, 6 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 21 |
| 90% (late) | January 15 |
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
Lakeside, 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 El Cajon, CA weather station, 6 km away (elevation 495 ft (151 m)).
Frost dates near Lakeside
- Santee Jan 6 · Dec 21
- El Cajon Jan 6 · Dec 21
- La Mesa Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Spring Valley Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Alpine Feb 12 · Dec 24
- Poway Jan 5 · Jan 2
- Lemon Grove Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Jamul Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Ramona Mar 4 · Dec 4
- Bonita rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lakeside, CA?
The median last spring frost in Lakeside, CA is January 6. 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 Lakeside, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Lakeside, CA?
About 349 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Lakeside, CA?
Lakeside, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.