Frost Dates for Calexico, CA

In Calexico, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 3 and the average first fall frost around Dec 27, for a growing season of about 363 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Feb 4, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostJan 350% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantFeb 4only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostDec 2750% chance of frost before this date
Growing season363 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the El Centro 2 Ssw, CA weather station, 7 miles away, elevation -30 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%Feb 4Dec 9
20%Jan 25Dec 16
30%Jan 15Dec 21
40%Jan 8Dec 24
50%Jan 3Dec 27
60%Dec 31Dec 31
70%Dec 28Jan 3
80%Dec 23Jan 12
90%Dec 15Jan 26

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Jan 22Dec 17
Frost / freeze (32°F)Jan 3Dec 27
Hard freeze (28°F)Jan 1Dec 31

Planting calendar for Calexico

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Nov 8 – Nov 22
Transplant Jan 10 – Jan 24
Peppers
Indoors Oct 25 – Nov 8
Transplant Jan 17 – Jan 31
Eggplant
Indoors Oct 25 – Nov 8
Transplant Jan 17 – Jan 31
Basil
Indoors Nov 22 – Dec 6
Transplant Jan 10 – Jan 24
Cucumbers
Indoors Dec 6 – Dec 13
Sow or transplant Jan 10 – Jan 24
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Dec 6 – Dec 13
Sow or transplant Jan 10 – Jan 24
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Jan 10 – Jan 24
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Dec 6 – Dec 13
Sow or transplant Jan 17 – Jan 31
Green beans
Sow Jan 10 – Jan 24
Sweet corn
Sow Jan 10 – Jan 24
Lettuce
Indoors Nov 22 – Dec 6
Sow or transplant Dec 6 – Dec 20
Fall sowing Nov 1 – Nov 29
Spinach
Sow Nov 22 – Dec 13
Fall sowing Nov 1 – Nov 22
Peas
Sow Nov 22 – Dec 6
Fall sowing Oct 18 – Nov 1
Kale
Indoors Nov 8 – Nov 22
Sow or transplant Dec 6 – Dec 20
Fall sowing Oct 18 – Nov 15
Broccoli
Indoors Nov 8 – Nov 22
Transplant Dec 20 – Jan 3
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Oct 18
Cabbage
Indoors Nov 8 – Nov 22
Transplant Dec 13 – Dec 27
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Oct 18
Carrots
Sow Dec 13 – Jan 3
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Oct 18
Radishes
Sow Nov 29 – Dec 20
Fall sowing Nov 15 – Dec 6
Beets
Sow Dec 13 – Jan 3
Fall sowing Oct 18 – Nov 1
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Oct 11 – Oct 25
Plant Dec 6 – Dec 20
Potatoes
Plant Dec 13 – Dec 27
Garlic
Plant Dec 27 – Jan 24

Based on the average last frost (Jan 3) and first frost (Dec 27). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

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