Frost Dates for Coachella, CA
In Coachella, CA, the average last spring frost is around Dec 31 and the average first fall frost around Dec 27, for a growing season of about 365 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Jan 21, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Indio Fire Stn, CA weather station, 4 miles away, elevation -21 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.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Jan 21 | Dec 8 |
| 20% | Jan 10 | Dec 13 |
| 30% | Jan 5 | Dec 17 |
| 40% | Jan 1 | Dec 23 |
| 50% | Dec 31 | Dec 27 |
| 60% | Dec 28 | Dec 30 |
| 70% | Dec 22 | Jan 1 |
| 80% | Dec 15 | Jan 5 |
| 90% | Dec 10 | Jan 13 |
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.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Jan 1 | Dec 18 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Dec 31 | Dec 27 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | — | — |
Planting calendar for Coachella
Transplant Jan 7 – Jan 21
Transplant Jan 14 – Jan 28
Transplant Jan 14 – Jan 28
Transplant Jan 7 – Jan 21
Sow or transplant Jan 7 – Jan 21
Sow or transplant Jan 7 – Jan 21
Sow or transplant Jan 14 – Jan 28
Sow or transplant Dec 3 – Dec 17
Fall sowing Nov 1 – Nov 29
Fall sowing Nov 1 – Nov 22
Fall sowing Oct 18 – Nov 1
Sow or transplant Dec 3 – Dec 17
Fall sowing Oct 18 – Nov 15
Transplant Dec 17 – Dec 31
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Oct 18
Transplant Dec 10 – Dec 24
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Oct 18
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Oct 18
Fall sowing Nov 15 – Dec 6
Fall sowing Oct 18 – Nov 1
Plant Dec 3 – Dec 17
Based on the average last frost (Dec 31) and first frost (Dec 27). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.