Frost dates for 92531 — Lake Elsinore, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 9 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Lake Elsinore compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Lake Elsinore fall between December 18 and January 28. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as February 27.
- Lake Elsinore shares its weather station with Menifee, CA, 14 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 24 |
| 50% (median) | January 28 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 18 |
| 90% (late) | January 24 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Lake Elsinore, CA
Frost dates for 92531 — Lake Elsinore, CA — last frost Jan 28, first frost Dec 18, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Lake Elsinore, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 5 – Nov 19 | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 19 – Dec 3 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 19 – Dec 3 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Dec 31 – Feb 4 | Oct 23 – Nov 20 |
| Kale | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Oct 9 – Oct 30 |
| Broccoli | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | — | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Cabbage | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | — | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | — | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Okra | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — |
| Basil | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 17 – Jan 7 | Sep 25 – Oct 16 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 17 – Jan 7 | Oct 23 – Nov 13 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 24 – Feb 4 | Nov 6 – Nov 27 |
| Cucumbers | Dec 31 – Jan 7 | Feb 11 – Feb 18 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Dec 31 – Jan 7 | — | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Oct 9 – Oct 23 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Dec 31 – Jan 7 | — | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Dec 31 – Jan 7 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 7 – Feb 4 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 7 – Feb 4 | Oct 9 – Oct 23 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 7 – Jan 28 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Oct 9 – Oct 23 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 4 | Oct 23 – Nov 13 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 4 – Feb 25 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 4 – Jan 8 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Elsinore, CA weather station, 3 km away (elevation 1,270 ft (387 m)).
ZIP codes in Lake Elsinore: 92530 92531 92532
Frost dates near Lake Elsinore
- Quail Valley Jan 28 · Dec 18
- Wildomar Jan 28 · Dec 18
- Menifee Jan 28 · Dec 18
- Sun City Jan 28 · Dec 18
- Murrieta Feb 2 · Jan 30
- Perris rare frost
- Homeland Jan 31 · Dec 10
- Winchester Jan 31 · Dec 10
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lake Elsinore, CA?
The median last spring frost in Lake Elsinore, CA is January 28. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Lake Elsinore, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 18, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Lake Elsinore, CA?
About 324 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Lake Elsinore, CA?
Lake Elsinore, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.