Sun Valley, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Sun Valley compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Sun Valley fall between December 28 and December 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 11, or the last frost as late as January 15.
- Compared with Burbank, CA, 7 km away, the last frost here is 2 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 15 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 11 |
| 50% (median) | December 28 |
| 90% (late) | January 15 |
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
Sun Valley, 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 Burbank Glendale Pasadena Ap, CA weather station, 2 km away (elevation 741 ft (226 m)).
ZIP codes in Sun Valley: 91352 91353
Frost dates near Sun Valley
- North Hollywood Jan 2 · Dec 26
- Valley Village Jan 2 · Dec 26
- Burbank Jan 2 · Dec 26
- Sunland Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Pacoima Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Panorama City Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Van Nuys Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Studio City Jan 2 · Dec 26
- Tujunga Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Universal City Jan 2 · Dec 26
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Sun Valley, CA?
The median last spring frost in Sun Valley, CA is December 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 15, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Sun Valley, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 11.
How long is the growing season in Sun Valley, CA?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Sun Valley, CA?
Sun Valley, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.