Mecca, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 8 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Mecca compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Mecca fall between December 22 and January 6. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 4, or the last frost as late as February 4.
- Compared with Indio, CA, 26 km away, the last frost here is 6 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 4 |
| 50% (median) | December 22 |
| 90% (late) | January 14 |
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
Mecca, 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 Mecca Fire Stn, CA weather station, 6 km away (elevation -184 ft (-56 m)).
Frost dates near Mecca
- Thermal Feb 7 · Dec 2
- Coachella Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Indio Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Salton City Jan 7 · Jan 4
- La Quinta Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Indian Wells Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Niland Feb 5 · Dec 17
- Palm Desert Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Thousand Palms Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Rancho Mirage Jan 9 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Mecca, CA?
The median last spring frost in Mecca, CA is January 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Mecca, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 22, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 4.
How long is the growing season in Mecca, CA?
About 350 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Mecca, CA?
Mecca, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.