Pine Valley, CA frost dates
How Pine Valley compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Pine Valley falls between March 25 and May 21, a 57-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 10 and December 4.
- The median last frost is 22 days later than the California median of Mar 31.
- Its 200-day growing season is longer than 34% of the 636 California places with a regular frost season (state median 235 days).
- The last frost is 37 days later than the zone 8b median of Mar 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 63 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Nearby El Cajon, CA, 40 km away, gets only light, occasional frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 25 |
| 50% (median) | April 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 10 |
| 50% (median) | November 8 |
| 90% (late) | December 4 |
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 Pine Valley, CA
Pine Valley, CA frost dates — last frost Apr 22, first frost Nov 8, zone 8b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Pine Valley, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Mar 25 – Apr 29 | Sep 13 – Oct 11 |
| Kale | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Broccoli | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Cabbage | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Okra | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Basil | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 29 | Sep 27 – Oct 18 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 | Apr 29 – May 13 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 6 – May 27 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 25 – Nov 29 |
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 Mt Laguna #3, CA weather station, 9 km away (elevation 5,919 ft (1,804 m)).
Frost dates near Pine Valley
- Guatay Apr 22 · Nov 8
- Mount Laguna Apr 22 · Nov 8
- Descanso Apr 19 · Oct 27
- Campo Apr 30 · Oct 26
- Alpine Feb 12 · Dec 24
- Julian Mar 27 · Dec 1
- Potrero Apr 30 · Oct 26
- Boulevard Apr 29 · Nov 1
- Tecate Apr 30 · Oct 26
- Dulzura Jan 6 · Dec 31
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pine Valley, CA?
The median last spring frost in Pine Valley, CA is April 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 21, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Pine Valley, CA?
The median first fall frost is November 8, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 10.
How long is the growing season in Pine Valley, CA?
About 200 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pine Valley, CA?
Pine Valley, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 8b.