Frost dates for 90748 — Wilmington, 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 Wilmington compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Wilmington 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.
- Wilmington shares its weather station with Torrance, CA, 6 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
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
Wilmington, 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, 8 km away (elevation 89 ft (27 m)).
ZIP codes in Wilmington: 90744 90748
Frost dates near Wilmington
- Marina Del Rey (Los Angeles) Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Toluca Lake Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Harbor City Jan 9 · Jan 5
- San Pedro Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Lomita Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Torrance Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Carson Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Long Beach rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Wilmington, CA?
The median last spring frost in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, CA?
About 361 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Wilmington, CA?
Wilmington, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.