Last spring frost
Mar 18
Frost Dates for Palmdale, CA
First fall frost
Nov 15
Growing season
241 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Palmdale, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 18 and the first fall frost is about Nov 15, giving roughly a 241-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 19 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) | Apr 27 | Apr 7 | Mar 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 18 | Feb 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 21 | Feb 19 | Jan 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 24 | Jan 25 | Dec 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 27 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 16 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 4 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 19 |
| 28°F | Mar 21 | Mar 9 | Mar 2 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 14 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 21 |
| 24°F | Feb 24 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 16 | Jan 8 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 |
| 20°F | Feb 3 | Jan 24 | Jan 14 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 28 | Dec 24 | Dec 19 | Dec 11 |
| 16°F | Jan 11 | Jan 5 | Jan 1 | Dec 31 | Dec 27 | Dec 24 | Dec 21 | Dec 14 | Dec 11 |
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) | Oct 20 | Nov 4 | Nov 16 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 30 | Nov 15 | Nov 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 9 | Nov 27 | Dec 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 22 | Dec 10 | Jan 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 |
| 32°F | Oct 30 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 |
| 28°F | Nov 9 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 14 |
| 24°F | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 27 | Jan 16 |
| 20°F | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 5 | Jan 22 |
| 16°F | Dec 9 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 22 | Dec 24 | Dec 27 | Dec 31 | Jan 2 | Jan 9 |
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: Palmdale Ap, Ca, about 12 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,524 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 Palmdale, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Palmdale, CA is about Mar 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 19.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Palmdale, CA typically arrives about Nov 15. 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 Mar 18 on average, or Feb 19 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 241 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 93535 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026