Frost dates for 90042 — Los Angeles, CA
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 Los Angeles compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Los Angeles fall between January 7 and January 8. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 20, or the last frost as late as February 17.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 17 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 7 |
| 90% (late) | February 14 |
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
Los Angeles, 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 Pasadena, CA weather station, 6 km away (elevation 863 ft (263 m)).
ZIP codes in Los Angeles: 90001 90002 90003 90004 90005 90006 90007 90008 90009 90010 90011 90012 90013 90014 90015 90016 90017 90018 90019 90020 90021 90022 90023 90024 90025 90026 90027 90028 90029 90030 90031 90032 90033 90034 90035 90036 90037 90038 90039 90040 90041 90042 90043 90044 90045 90046 90047 90048 90049 90050 90051 90052 90053 90054 90055 90056 90057 90058 90059 90060 …
Frost dates near Los Angeles
- South Pasadena Jan 8 · Jan 7
- Pasadena Jan 8 · Jan 7
- Alhambra Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Dodgertown rare frost
- Glendale Jan 2 · Dec 26
- San Marino Jan 4 · Jan 2
- San Gabriel Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Monterey Park Jan 4 · Jan 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Los Angeles, CA?
The median last spring frost in Los Angeles, CA is January 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 17, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Los Angeles, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 20.
How long is the growing season in Los Angeles, CA?
About 364 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.