Parker Dam, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Parker Dam compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Parker Dam fall between December 31 and January 7. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 10, or the last frost as late as February 6.
- Compared with Lake Havasu City, AZ, 26 km away, the last frost here is 2 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 17 |
| 50% (median) | January 7 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 10 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 90% (late) | January 28 |
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
Parker Dam, 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 Parker Resrvoir, CA weather station, 3 km away (elevation 738 ft (225 m)).
Frost dates near Parker Dam
- Earp Jan 12 · Dec 19
- Vidal Jan 12 · Dec 19
- Needles Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Blythe Jan 25 · Dec 12
- Palo Verde Jan 5 · Dec 21
- Desert Center Jan 10 · Jan 8
- Essex Mar 6 · Dec 8
- Amboy Mar 6 · Dec 8
- Winterhaven Jan 8 · Dec 28
- Cima Mar 6 · Dec 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Parker Dam, CA?
The median last spring frost in Parker Dam, CA is January 7. 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 Parker Dam, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 10.
How long is the growing season in Parker Dam, CA?
About 358 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Parker Dam, CA?
Parker Dam, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.