Frost dates for 90501 — Torrance, 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 Torrance compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Torrance fall between January 5 and January 9. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 3, or the last frost as late as February 24.
- Nearby Long Beach, CA, 12 km away, rarely gets frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 4 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 3 |
| 50% (median) | January 5 |
| 90% (late) | February 22 |
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
Torrance, 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 Torrance Ap, CA weather station, 4 km away (elevation 89 ft (27 m)).
ZIP codes in Torrance: 90501 90502 90503 90504 90505 90506 90507 90508 90509 90510
Frost dates near Torrance
- Harbor City Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Lomita Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Manhattan Beach rare frost
- Marina Del Rey (Los Angeles) Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Toluca Lake Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Carson Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Redondo Beach rare frost
- Wilmington Jan 9 · Jan 5
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Torrance, CA?
The median last spring frost in Torrance, CA is January 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 24, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Torrance, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 5, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 3.
How long is the growing season in Torrance, CA?
About 361 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Torrance, CA?
Torrance, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.