Last spring frost
Mar 10
Frost Dates for Palmdale, CA
First fall frost
Nov 19
Growing season
248 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Palmdale, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 10 and the first fall frost is about Nov 19, giving roughly a 248-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 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) | Apr 26 | Apr 5 | Mar 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 10 | Feb 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 13 | Jan 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 19 | Jan 15 | Dec 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 26 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 19 | Mar 11 |
| 32°F | Apr 11 | Apr 2 | Mar 27 | Mar 18 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 12 |
| 28°F | Mar 17 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 2 | Jan 27 | Jan 14 |
| 24°F | Feb 19 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 25 | Jan 15 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 | Dec 11 |
| 20°F | Feb 3 | Jan 26 | Jan 13 | Jan 5 | Dec 31 | Dec 27 | Dec 19 | Dec 11 | Dec 4 |
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 24 | Nov 7 | Nov 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 19 | Dec 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 15 | Dec 1 | Dec 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 23 | Dec 16 | Jan 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 24 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 |
| 32°F | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 |
| 28°F | Nov 15 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 15 | Dec 23 |
| 24°F | Nov 23 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 4 | Jan 19 |
| 20°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 13 | Feb 1 |
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, Ca, about 3.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,612 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 10. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Palmdale, CA typically arrives about Nov 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 Mar 10 on average, or Feb 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 248 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 93552 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026