Frost dates for 90240 — Downey, CA
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 Downey compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Downey fall between January 2 and January 4. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 18, or the last frost as late as January 28.
- Downey shares its weather station with El Monte, CA, 15 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 19 |
| 50% (median) | January 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 28 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 18 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 90% (late) | January 26 |
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
Downey, 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 San Gabriel Fire Dept, CA weather station, 14 km away (elevation 364 ft (111 m)).
ZIP codes in Downey: 90239 90240 90241 90242
Frost dates near Downey
- Bell Gardens rare frost
- Santa Fe Springs rare frost
- Pico Rivera Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Montebello Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Bell rare frost
- Norwalk rare frost
- Maywood rare frost
- South Gate rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Downey, CA?
The median last spring frost in Downey, CA is January 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 28, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Downey, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 18.
How long is the growing season in Downey, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Downey, CA?
Downey, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.