When is the last frost in El Centro, CA?

For ZIP code 92243, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 3, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the El Centro 2 Ssw, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 4.

When is the first frost in El Centro, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 27. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 9, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 92243?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 363 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 92243El Centro, CA

The average last spring frost in El Centro is January 3 and the average first fall frost is December 27, giving a typical growing season of about 363 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 3
Average first fall frost: Dec 27
Growing season: 363 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	Dec 27 · Jan 22 · Feb 22	Nov 30 · Dec 17 · Jan 9	327 days	94%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 15 · Jan 3 · Feb 4	Dec 9 · Dec 27 · Jan 26	363 days	54%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 15 · Jan 1 · Feb 4	Dec 15 · Dec 31 · Feb 4	365 days	14%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 92243 is matched to the NOAA station El Centro 2 Ssw, CA, 2.5 km away, at -30 ft elevation (10 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
El Centro 2 Ssw, CA (used)	-30 ft	Jan 3	Dec 27
Imperial Co Ap, CA	-58 ft	Jan 14	Dec 24
Imperial, CA	-64 ft	Jan 4	Dec 26
El Centro Naf, CA	-42 ft	Jan 6	Dec 21

Frost dates near El Centro

Imperial, CA 92251 · last Jan 4, first Dec 26
El Centro, CA 92244 · last Jan 6, first Dec 21
Seeley, CA 92273 · last Jan 6, first Dec 21
Calexico, CA 92231 · last Jan 3, first Dec 27
Heber, CA 92249 · last Jan 3, first Dec 27
Holtville, CA 92250 · last Jan 3, first Dec 27
Brawley, CA 92227 · last Jan 4, first Dec 26
Westmorland, CA 92281 · last Jan 4, first Dec 26

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in El Centro, CA?: For ZIP code 92243, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 3, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the El Centro 2 Ssw, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 4.
When is the first frost in El Centro, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 27. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 9, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 92243?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 363 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.