Last spring frost
Jan 3
Frost Dates for Desert Center, CA
First fall frost
Dec 31
Growing season
365 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Desert Center, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 3 and the first fall frost is about Dec 31, giving roughly a 365-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 12 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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Feb 28 | Jan 10 | Dec 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Feb 11 | Jan 3 | Dec 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Feb 28 | Feb 14 | Jan 30 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Jan 4 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 | Dec 16 |
| 32°F | Feb 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 13 | Jan 7 | Jan 3 | Jan 1 | Dec 25 | Dec 19 | Dec 12 |
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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Nov 30 | Dec 19 | Jan 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Dec 6 | Dec 31 | Jan 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 23 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 20 |
| 32°F | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 3 | Jan 6 | Jan 14 | Jan 30 |
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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Iron Mtn, Ca, about 7.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 922 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
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 Desert Center, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Desert Center, CA is about Jan 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Desert Center, CA typically arrives about Dec 31. 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 Jan 3 on average, or Dec 12 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 365 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 92280 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026