When is the last frost in El Centro, CA?

For ZIP code 92244, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 6, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the El Centro Naf, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 6.

When is the first frost in El Centro, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 21. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 5, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 92244?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 347 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 92244El Centro, CA

The average last spring frost in El Centro is January 6 and the average first fall frost is December 21, giving a typical growing season of about 347 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 6
Average first fall frost: Dec 21
Growing season: 347 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)	Jan 5 · Feb 1 · Feb 25	Nov 23 · Dec 8 · Dec 25	309 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 14 · Jan 6 · Feb 6	Dec 5 · Dec 21 · Jan 12	347 days	79%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 12 · Jan 3 · Jan 31	Dec 10 · Dec 31 · Jan 29	365 days	25%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 92244 is matched to the NOAA station El Centro Naf, CA, 2.6 km away, at -42 ft elevation (3 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

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

Frost dates near El Centro

Seeley, CA 92273 · last Jan 6, first Dec 21
El Centro, CA 92243 · last Jan 3, first Dec 27
Imperial, CA 92251 · last Jan 4, first Dec 26
Calexico, CA 92231 · last Jan 3, first Dec 27
Heber, CA 92249 · last Jan 3, first Dec 27
Brawley, CA 92227 · last Jan 4, first Dec 26
Westmorland, CA 92281 · last Jan 4, first Dec 26
Ocotillo, CA 92259 · last Jan 6, first Dec 21

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in El Centro, CA?: For ZIP code 92244, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 6, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the El Centro Naf, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 6.
When is the first frost in El Centro, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 21. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 5, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 92244?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 347 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.