San Fernando, 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 San Fernando compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in San Fernando fall between January 1 and January 2. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 9, or the last frost as late as January 27.
- Compared with Burbank, CA, 16 km away, the last frost here is the same as there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 10 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 9 |
| 50% (median) | January 1 |
| 90% (late) | January 25 |
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
San Fernando, 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 Northridge Cal State, CA weather station, 9 km away (elevation 906 ft (276 m)).
ZIP codes in San Fernando: 91340 91341
Frost dates near San Fernando
- Sylmar Jan 2 · Jan 1
- Pacoima Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Mission Hills Jan 2 · Jan 1
- Panorama City Dec 31 · Dec 30
- North Hills Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Granada Hills Jan 2 · Jan 1
- Sun Valley Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Van Nuys Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Northridge Jan 2 · Jan 1
- Sunland Dec 31 · Dec 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in San Fernando, CA?
The median last spring frost in San Fernando, CA is January 2. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in San Fernando, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 9.
How long is the growing season in San Fernando, CA?
About 364 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is San Fernando, CA?
San Fernando, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.