Pacoima, 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 Pacoima compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Pacoima fall between December 30 and December 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 9, or the last frost as late as January 27.
- Compared with Burbank, CA, 14 km away, the last frost here is 2 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 9 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 9 |
| 50% (median) | December 30 |
| 90% (late) | January 25 |
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
Pacoima, 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 Van Nuys Ap, CA weather station, 8 km away (elevation 771 ft (235 m)).
ZIP codes in Pacoima: 91331 91333 91334
Frost dates near Pacoima
- San Fernando Jan 2 · Jan 1
- Mission Hills Jan 2 · Jan 1
- Panorama City Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Sylmar Jan 2 · Jan 1
- North Hills Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Sun Valley Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Granada Hills Jan 2 · Jan 1
- Van Nuys Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Sunland Dec 31 · Dec 28
- North Hollywood Jan 2 · Dec 26
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pacoima, CA?
The median last spring frost in Pacoima, CA is December 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Pacoima, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 9.
How long is the growing season in Pacoima, CA?
About 364 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pacoima, CA?
Pacoima, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.