Frost dates for 92240 — Desert Hot Springs, 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 Desert Hot Springs compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Desert Hot Springs fall between January 9 and January 9. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 23, or the last frost as late as January 29.
- Desert Hot Springs shares its weather station with Cathedral City, CA, 18 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 29 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 23 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 90% (late) | January 29 |
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
Desert Hot Springs, 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 Palm Springs Rgnl Ap, CA weather station, 14 km away (elevation 420 ft (128 m)).
ZIP codes in Desert Hot Springs: 92240 92241
Frost dates near Desert Hot Springs
- North Palm Springs Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Morongo Valley Feb 25 · Dec 15
- Whitewater Feb 25 · Dec 15
- Palm Springs Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Cathedral City Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Thousand Palms Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Rancho Mirage Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Cabazon May 16 · Oct 24
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Desert Hot Springs, CA?
The median last spring frost in Desert Hot Springs, CA is January 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 29, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Desert Hot Springs, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 23.
How long is the growing season in Desert Hot Springs, CA?
About 365 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Desert Hot Springs, CA?
Desert Hot Springs, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.