Frost dates for 90809 — Long Beach, 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 Long Beach compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Long Beach 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 Los Angeles, CA, 28 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
Long Beach, 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 Long Beach: 90801 90802 90803 90804 90805 90806 90807 90808 90809 90810 90813 90814 90815 90822 90831 90832 90833 90834 90835 90840 90842 90844 90846 90847 90848 90853 90899
Frost dates near Long Beach
- Marina Del Rey (Los Angeles) Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Toluca Lake Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Harbor City Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Lomita Jan 9 · Jan 5
- San Pedro Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Torrance Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Wilmington Jan 9 · Jan 5
- Carson Jan 9 · Jan 5
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Long Beach, CA?
The median last spring frost in Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, CA?
About 361 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.