Needles, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Needles compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Needles fall between January 2 and January 6. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 11, or the last frost as late as February 10.
- Compared with Lake Havasu City, AZ, 43 km away, the last frost here is 1 day later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 16 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 10 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 11 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 90% (late) | February 5 |
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
Needles, 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 Needles Ap, CA weather station, 3 km away (elevation 889 ft (271 m)).
Frost dates near Needles
- Parker Dam Jan 7 · Dec 31
- Vidal Jan 12 · Dec 19
- Earp Jan 12 · Dec 19
- Essex Mar 6 · Dec 8
- Cima Mar 6 · Dec 8
- Nipton Mar 7 · Nov 29
- Amboy Mar 6 · Dec 8
- Mountain Pass Mar 17 · Nov 20
- Desert Center Jan 10 · Jan 8
- Blythe Jan 25 · Dec 12
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Needles, CA?
The median last spring frost in Needles, CA is January 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 10, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Needles, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 11.
How long is the growing season in Needles, CA?
About 361 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Needles, CA?
Needles, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.