Frost dates for 92074 — Poway, 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 Poway compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Poway fall between January 2 and January 5. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 13, or the last frost as late as February 1.
- Compared with Santee, CA, 14 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 90% (late) | January 31 |
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
Poway, 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 Rancho Bernardo, CA weather station, 8 km away (elevation 689 ft (210 m)).
ZIP codes in Poway: 92064 92074
Frost dates near Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe Jan 5 · Jan 2
- Santee Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Lakeside Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Escondido Jan 2 · Dec 30
- Ramona Mar 4 · Dec 4
- Del Mar rare frost
- El Cajon Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Solana Beach rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Poway, CA?
The median last spring frost in Poway, CA is January 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Poway, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 13.
How long is the growing season in Poway, CA?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Poway, CA?
Poway, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.