Vidal, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Vidal compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Vidal fall between December 19 and January 12. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 4, or the last frost as late as February 15.
- Compared with Lake Havasu City, AZ, 45 km away, the last frost here is 7 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 12 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 15 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 4 |
| 50% (median) | December 19 |
| 90% (late) | January 10 |
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
Vidal, 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 Parker, AZ weather station, 25 km away (elevation 420 ft (128 m)).
Frost dates near Vidal
- Earp Jan 12 · Dec 19
- Parker Dam Jan 7 · Dec 31
- Blythe Jan 25 · Dec 12
- Needles Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Desert Center Jan 10 · Jan 8
- Palo Verde Jan 5 · Dec 21
- Essex Mar 6 · Dec 8
- Amboy Mar 6 · Dec 8
- Winterhaven Jan 8 · Dec 28
- Niland Feb 5 · Dec 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Vidal, CA?
The median last spring frost in Vidal, CA is January 12. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 15, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Vidal, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 4.
How long is the growing season in Vidal, CA?
About 341 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Vidal, CA?
Vidal, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.