Pala, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Pala compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Pala fall between January 30 and February 2. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 23, or the last frost as late as February 24.
- Pala shares its weather station with Temecula, CA, 15 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 26 |
| 50% (median) | February 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 23 |
| 50% (median) | January 30 |
| 90% (late) | February 24 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Pala, CA
Pala, CA frost dates — last frost Feb 2, first frost Jan 30, zone 10a. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Pala, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 10 – Nov 24 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 24 – Dec 8 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 24 – Dec 8 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Jan 5 – Feb 9 | Dec 5 – Jan 2 |
| Kale | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Nov 21 – Dec 12 |
| Broccoli | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | — | Oct 24 – Nov 14 |
| Cabbage | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | — | Oct 24 – Nov 14 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | — | Oct 24 – Nov 14 |
| Okra | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | — |
| Basil | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 22 – Jan 12 | Nov 7 – Nov 28 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 22 – Jan 12 | Dec 5 – Dec 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 29 – Feb 9 | Dec 19 – Jan 9 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Feb 23 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Nov 14 – Nov 28 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Nov 21 – Dec 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 9 | Nov 7 – Nov 21 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 9 | Nov 21 – Dec 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 2 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 19 – Feb 16 | Nov 21 – Dec 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 19 – Feb 9 | Dec 5 – Dec 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 9 – Mar 2 | Nov 14 – Nov 28 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 16 – Mar 9 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 20 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Fallbrook 5 Ne, CA weather station, 13 km away (elevation 1,142 ft (348 m)).
Frost dates near Pala
- Pauma Valley Feb 19 · Dec 1
- Bonsall Jan 30 · Jan 7
- Temecula Feb 2 · Jan 30
- Valley Center Feb 19 · Dec 1
- Fallbrook Feb 2 · Jan 30
- Palomar Mountain Apr 29 · Nov 18
- Murrieta Feb 2 · Jan 30
- Vista Jan 30 · Jan 7
- Aguanga Apr 29 · Nov 18
- Winchester Jan 31 · Dec 10
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pala, CA?
The median last spring frost in Pala, CA is February 2. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 24, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Pala, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 23.
How long is the growing season in Pala, CA?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pala, CA?
Pala, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.