Frost dates for 92243 — El Centro, 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 Centro compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in El Centro fall between December 27 and January 3. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 9, or the last frost as late as February 4.
- Nearby Yuma, AZ, 95 km away, rarely gets frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 15 |
| 50% (median) | January 3 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 9 |
| 50% (median) | December 27 |
| 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 Centro, 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 El Centro 2 Ssw, CA weather station, 3 km away (elevation -30 ft (-9 m)).
ZIP codes in El Centro: 92243 92244
Frost dates near El Centro
- Imperial Jan 4 · Dec 26
- Seeley Jan 6 · Dec 21
- Calexico Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Heber Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Holtville Jan 3 · Dec 27
- Brawley Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Westmorland Jan 16 · Dec 19
- Ocotillo Jan 6 · Dec 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in El Centro, CA?
The median last spring frost in El Centro, CA is January 3. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in El Centro, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 9.
How long is the growing season in El Centro, CA?
About 358 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is El Centro, CA?
El Centro, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.