Ocotillo, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Ocotillo compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Ocotillo fall between December 21 and January 6. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 5, or the last frost as late as February 6.
- Compared with El Cajon, CA, 89 km away, the last frost here is the same as there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 5 |
| 50% (median) | December 21 |
| 90% (late) | January 12 |
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
Ocotillo, 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 Centro Naf, CA weather station, 30 km away (elevation -43 ft (-13 m)).
Frost dates near Ocotillo
- Jacumba Apr 29 · Nov 1
- Seeley Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Boulevard Apr 29 · Nov 1
- El Centro Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Imperial Jan 4 · Dec 26
- Mount Laguna Apr 22 · Nov 8
- Calexico Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Campo Apr 30 · Oct 26
- Pine Valley Apr 22 · Nov 8
- Westmorland Jan 16 · Dec 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ocotillo, CA?
The median last spring frost in Ocotillo, CA is January 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 6, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ocotillo, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 5.
How long is the growing season in Ocotillo, CA?
About 349 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ocotillo, CA?
Ocotillo, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.