Frost dates for 91116 — Pasadena, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Pasadena compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Pasadena fall between January 7 and January 8. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 20, or the last frost as late as February 17.
- Compared with Glendale, CA, 10 km away, the last frost here is 6 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 17 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 7 |
| 90% (late) | February 14 |
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
Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, CA weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 863 ft (263 m)).
ZIP codes in Pasadena: 91101 91102 91103 91104 91105 91106 91107 91109 91110 91114 91115 91116 91117 91121 91123 91124 91125 91126 91129 91182 91184 91185 91188 91189 91199
Frost dates near Pasadena
- South Pasadena Jan 8 · Jan 7
- San Marino Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Altadena Jan 8 · Jan 7
- Alhambra Jan 4 · Jan 2
- San Gabriel Jan 4 · Jan 2
- La Canada Flintridge Jan 8 · Jan 7
- Sierra Madre Apr 28 · Nov 15
- Temple City Jan 4 · Jan 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pasadena, CA?
The median last spring frost in Pasadena, CA is January 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 17, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Pasadena, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 20.
How long is the growing season in Pasadena, CA?
About 364 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.