Salton City, 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 Salton City compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Salton City fall between January 4 and January 7. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 12, or the last frost as late as February 7.
- Compared with Indio, CA, 52 km away, the last frost here is 7 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 7 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 4 |
| 90% (late) | February 4 |
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
Salton City, 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 Ocotillo Wells 2w, CA weather station, 26 km away (elevation 390 ft (119 m)).
Frost dates near Salton City
- Niland Feb 5 · Dec 17
- Mecca Jan 6 · Dec 22
- Thermal Feb 7 · Dec 2
- Borrego Springs Jan 10 · Jan 1
- Calipatria Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Coachella Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Westmorland Jan 16 · Dec 19
- La Quinta Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Indio Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Ranchita Jan 10 · Jan 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Salton City, CA?
The median last spring frost in Salton City, CA is January 7. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Salton City, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 12.
How long is the growing season in Salton City, CA?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Salton City, CA?
Salton City, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.