Harman US

Frost Dates for Colton, CA

Last spring frost
Jan 27
First fall frost
Dec 19
Growing season
329 days
Hardiness zone
10a

In an average year around Colton, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 27 and the first fall frost is about Dec 19, giving roughly a 329-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 21 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 - Colton, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 5 Mar 2 Jan 31
Freeze (32°F) Feb 28 Jan 27 Dec 21
Hard (28°F) Feb 15 Jan 7 Dec 17
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 5 Mar 22 Mar 13 Mar 7 Mar 2 Feb 26 Feb 19 Feb 10 Jan 31
32°F Feb 28 Feb 19 Feb 10 Feb 3 Jan 27 Jan 16 Jan 7 Jan 1 Dec 21
28°F Feb 15 Feb 1 Jan 28 Jan 15 Jan 7 Jan 1 Dec 29 Dec 23 Dec 17

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 - Colton, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Nov 17 Dec 2 Dec 19
Freeze (32°F) Dec 1 Dec 19 Jan 26
Hard (28°F) Dec 13 Jan 1 Feb 13
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Nov 17 Nov 22 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 2 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 14 Dec 19
32°F Dec 1 Dec 6 Dec 11 Dec 15 Dec 19 Dec 25 Jan 1 Jan 9 Jan 26
28°F Dec 13 Dec 19 Dec 24 Dec 29 Jan 1 Jan 6 Jan 16 Jan 30 Feb 13

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: Redlands, Ca, about 5.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,410 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 Colton, CA?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Colton, CA is about Jan 27. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 21.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Colton, CA typically arrives about Dec 19. 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 27 on average, or Dec 21 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 329 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 92324 Planting calendar → California frost dates →

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