Harman US

Frost Dates for Coachella, CA

Last spring frost
Feb 7
First fall frost
Dec 2
Growing season
298 days
Hardiness zone
10a

In an average year around Coachella, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 7 and the first fall frost is about Dec 2, giving roughly a 298-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 7 before setting out tender plants.

Last spring frost

Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.

Last spring frost - Coachella, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Mar 25 Feb 28 Feb 1
Freeze (32°F) Mar 1 Feb 7 Jan 7
Hard (28°F) Feb 16 Jan 15 Dec 18
Severe (24°F) Feb 1 Dec 31 Dec 9
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Mar 25 Mar 12 Mar 8 Mar 3 Feb 28 Feb 24 Feb 19 Feb 12 Feb 1
32°F Mar 1 Feb 23 Feb 17 Feb 13 Feb 7 Feb 1 Jan 27 Jan 19 Jan 7
28°F Feb 16 Feb 6 Jan 31 Jan 22 Jan 15 Jan 7 Jan 2 Dec 27 Dec 18
24°F Feb 1 Jan 20 Jan 9 Jan 3 Dec 31 Dec 26 Dec 21 Dec 16 Dec 9
20°F Jan 20 Jan 7 Jan 2 Dec 31 Dec 27 Dec 22 Dec 17 Dec 12 Dec 6

First fall frost

Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.

First fall frost - Coachella, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Nov 5 Nov 21 Dec 5
Freeze (32°F) Nov 16 Dec 2 Dec 21
Hard (28°F) Nov 24 Dec 13 Jan 5
Severe (24°F) Dec 1 Dec 21 Jan 16
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Nov 5 Nov 10 Nov 15 Nov 17 Nov 21 Nov 24 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 5
32°F Nov 16 Nov 22 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 2 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 14 Dec 21
28°F Nov 24 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 10 Dec 13 Dec 17 Dec 22 Dec 28 Jan 5
24°F Dec 1 Dec 8 Dec 13 Dec 17 Dec 21 Dec 25 Dec 29 Jan 3 Jan 16
20°F Dec 6 Dec 11 Dec 16 Dec 22 Dec 26 Dec 31 Jan 2 Jan 7 Jan 20

Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.

Where this data comes from

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Desert Resorts Rgnl Ap, Ca, about 7.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at -118 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
How we calculate these dates

Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Coachella, CA?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Coachella, CA is about Feb 7. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 7.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Coachella, CA typically arrives about Dec 2. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.

When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?

Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Feb 7 on average, or Jan 7 to be safe most years.

How long is the growing season here?

The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 298 days in a typical year.

Are these dates a forecast for this year?

No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.

Local weather for 92236 Planting calendar → California frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026