Frost dates for 90265 — Malibu, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 11 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Malibu compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Malibu fall between December 15 and January 24. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 27, or the last frost as late as March 5.
- Compared with Thousand Oaks, CA, 20 km away, the last frost here is 24 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 21 |
| 50% (median) | January 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 5 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 27 |
| 50% (median) | December 15 |
| 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
Malibu, 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 Woodland Hills Pierce College, CA weather station, 22 km away (elevation 791 ft (241 m)).
ZIP codes in Malibu: 90263 90264 90265
Frost dates near Malibu
- Agoura Hills Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Westlake Village Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Topanga Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Calabasas Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Oak Park Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Woodland Hills Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Pacific Palisades rare frost
- West Hills Jan 24 · Dec 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Malibu, CA?
The median last spring frost in Malibu, CA is January 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 5, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Malibu, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 15, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 27.
How long is the growing season in Malibu, CA?
About 325 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Malibu, CA?
Malibu, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.