Frost dates for 91731 — El Monte, 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 El Monte compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in El Monte 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.
- Compared with Pasadena, CA, 12 km away, the last frost here is 4 days earlier than there.
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
El Monte, 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, 6 km away (elevation 364 ft (111 m)).
ZIP codes in El Monte: 91731 91732 91734 91735
Frost dates near El Monte
- South El Monte Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Temple City Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Rosemead Jan 4 · Jan 2
- San Gabriel Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Arcadia Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Baldwin Park Jan 4 · Jan 2
- San Marino Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Monrovia Apr 28 · Nov 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in El Monte, CA?
The median last spring frost in El Monte, 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 El Monte, 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 El Monte, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is El Monte, CA?
El Monte, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.