Frost dates for 92263 — Palm Springs, 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 Springs compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Palm Springs fall between December 31 and January 1. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 11, or the last frost as late as January 18.
- Compared with Cathedral City, CA, 8 km away, the last frost here is 8 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 11 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 90% (late) | January 16 |
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 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, CA weather station, 8 km away (elevation 427 ft (130 m)).
ZIP codes in Palm Springs: 92262 92263 92264
Frost dates near Palm Springs
- Cathedral City Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Rancho Mirage Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Palm Desert Dec 31 · Dec 27
- Thousand Palms Jan 9 · Jan 9
- Idyllwild May 16 · Oct 24
- North Palm Springs Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Mountain Center May 16 · Oct 24
- Indian Wells Dec 31 · Dec 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Palm Springs, CA?
The median last spring frost in Palm Springs, CA is January 1. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Palm Springs, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 11.
How long is the growing season in Palm Springs, CA?
About 364 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Palm Springs, CA?
Palm Springs, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.