North Palm Springs, 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 North Palm Springs compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in North Palm Springs fall between December 31 and January 1. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 11, or the last frost as late as January 18.
- Compared with Cathedral City, CA, 16 km away, the last frost here is 8 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 11 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 90% (late) | January 16 |
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
North Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, CA weather station, 11 km away (elevation 427 ft (130 m)).
Frost dates near North Palm Springs
- Desert Hot Springs Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Whitewater Feb 25 · Dec 15
- Palm Springs Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Morongo Valley Feb 25 · Dec 15
- Cathedral City Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Thousand Palms Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Rancho Mirage Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Cabazon May 16 · Oct 24
- Idyllwild May 16 · Oct 24
- Palm Desert Dec 31 · Dec 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in North Palm Springs, CA?
The median last spring frost in North Palm Springs, CA is January 1. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in North Palm Springs, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 11.
How long is the growing season in North Palm Springs, CA?
About 364 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is North Palm Springs, CA?
North Palm Springs, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.