Palo Verde, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 3 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Palo Verde compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Palo Verde fall between December 21 and January 5. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 2, or the last frost as late as February 18.
- Nearby Yuma, AZ, 78 km away, rarely gets frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 15 |
| 50% (median) | January 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 2 |
| 50% (median) | December 21 |
| 90% (late) | January 18 |
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
Palo Verde, 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 Blythe Ap, CA weather station, 28 km away (elevation 394 ft (120 m)).
Frost dates near Palo Verde
- Blythe Jan 25 · Dec 12
- Winterhaven Jan 8 · Dec 28
- Bard Jan 8 · Dec 28
- Calipatria Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Desert Center Jan 10 · Jan 8
- Brawley Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Holtville Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Westmorland Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Vidal Jan 12 · Dec 19
- Niland Feb 5 · Dec 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Palo Verde, CA?
The median last spring frost in Palo Verde, CA is January 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Palo Verde, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 2.
How long is the growing season in Palo Verde, CA?
About 350 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Palo Verde, CA?
Palo Verde, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.