Frost dates for 91009 — Duarte, 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 Duarte compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Duarte 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.
- Duarte shares its weather station with Baldwin Park, CA, 5 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
Duarte, 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, 13 km away (elevation 364 ft (111 m)).
ZIP codes in Duarte: 91008 91009 91010
Frost dates near Duarte
- Monrovia Apr 28 · Nov 15
- Baldwin Park Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Arcadia Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Azusa Jan 8 · Dec 28
- Sierra Madre Apr 28 · Nov 15
- Temple City Jan 4 · Jan 2
- El Monte Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Covina Jan 8 · Dec 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Duarte, CA?
The median last spring frost in Duarte, 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 Duarte, 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 Duarte, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Duarte, CA?
Duarte, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.