Frost dates for 92261 — Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Palm Desert fall between December 27 and December 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 8, or the last frost as late as January 21.
- Compared with Cathedral City, CA, 16 km away, the last frost here is 9 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 10 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 8 |
| 50% (median) | December 27 |
| 90% (late) | January 13 |
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
Palm Desert, 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 Indio Fire Stn, CA weather station, 19 km away (elevation -20 ft (-6 m)).
ZIP codes in Palm Desert: 92211 92255 92260 92261
Frost dates near Palm Desert
- Indian Wells Dec 31 · Dec 27
- La Quinta Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Rancho Mirage Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Cathedral City Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Thousand Palms Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Palm Springs Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Coachella Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Indio Dec 31 · Dec 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Palm Desert, CA?
The median last spring frost in Palm Desert, CA is December 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 21, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Palm Desert, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 8.
How long is the growing season in Palm Desert, CA?
About 361 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Palm Desert, CA?
Palm Desert, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.