Van Nuys, 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 Van Nuys compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Van Nuys fall between December 30 and December 31. 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, 13 km away, the last frost here is 2 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 9 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 9 |
| 50% (median) | December 30 |
| 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
Van Nuys, 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 Van Nuys Ap, CA weather station, 4 km away (elevation 771 ft (235 m)).
ZIP codes in Van Nuys: 91401 91404 91405 91406 91407 91408 91409 91410 91411 91470 91482 91496 91499
Frost dates near Van Nuys
- Sherman Oaks Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Panorama City Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Valley Village Jan 2 · Dec 26
- Encino Dec 31 · Dec 30
- North Hills Dec 31 · Dec 30
- North Hollywood Jan 2 · Dec 26
- Studio City Jan 2 · Dec 26
- Mission Hills Jan 2 · Jan 1
- Reseda Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Sun Valley Dec 31 · Dec 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Van Nuys, CA?
The median last spring frost in Van Nuys, CA is December 31. 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 Van Nuys, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 9.
How long is the growing season in Van Nuys, CA?
About 364 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Van Nuys, CA?
Van Nuys, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.