Frost dates for 92691 — Mission Viejo, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Mission Viejo compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Mission Viejo fall between December 25 and January 5. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 3, or the last frost as late as February 2.
- Mission Viejo shares its weather station with Irvine, CA, 14 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 3 |
| 50% (median) | December 25 |
| 90% (late) | January 20 |
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
Mission Viejo, 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 Tustin Irvine Rch, CA weather station, 13 km away (elevation 236 ft (72 m)).
ZIP codes in Mission Viejo: 92690 92691 92692
Frost dates near Mission Viejo
- El Toro Jan 5 · Dec 25
- Lake Forest Jan 5 · Dec 25
- Laguna Hills Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Laguna Woods Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Foothill Ranch rare frost
- Rancho Santa Margarita rare frost
- Ladera Ranch Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Trabuco Canyon rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Mission Viejo, CA?
The median last spring frost in Mission Viejo, CA is January 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Mission Viejo, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 3.
How long is the growing season in Mission Viejo, CA?
About 354 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Mission Viejo, CA?
Mission Viejo, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.