Harman US

Frost Dates for Lakeside, CA

Last spring frost
Jan 24
First fall frost
Dec 17
Growing season
330 days
Hardiness zone
9b

In an average year around Lakeside, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 24 and the first fall frost is about Dec 17, giving roughly a 330-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 25 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 - Lakeside, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 8 Feb 26 Jan 22
Freeze (32°F) Mar 12 Jan 24 Dec 25
Hard (28°F) Feb 13 Jan 3 Dec 13
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 8 Mar 29 Mar 18 Mar 5 Feb 26 Feb 18 Feb 7 Jan 31 Jan 22
32°F Mar 12 Feb 23 Feb 8 Jan 31 Jan 24 Jan 17 Jan 10 Jan 2 Dec 25
28°F Feb 13 Jan 25 Jan 14 Jan 7 Jan 3 Dec 31 Dec 29 Dec 23 Dec 13

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 - Lakeside, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Nov 15 Dec 3 Dec 24
Freeze (32°F) Dec 1 Dec 17 Jan 15
Hard (28°F) Dec 6 Dec 27 Jan 27
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Nov 15 Nov 23 Nov 27 Nov 30 Dec 3 Dec 6 Dec 10 Dec 15 Dec 24
32°F Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 10 Dec 13 Dec 17 Dec 23 Dec 29 Jan 4 Jan 15
28°F Dec 6 Dec 12 Dec 18 Dec 23 Dec 27 Dec 31 Jan 3 Jan 10 Jan 27

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: Taft, Ca, about 14.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 773 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 Lakeside, CA?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lakeside, CA is about Jan 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 25.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Lakeside, CA typically arrives about Dec 17. 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 24 on average, or Dec 25 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 330 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 93311 Planting calendar → California frost dates →

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