Frost Dates for Monterey Park, CA

In Monterey Park, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 4 and the average first fall frost around Jan 2, for a growing season of about 365 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Jan 28, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostJan 450% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantJan 28only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostJan 250% chance of frost before this date
Growing season365 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the San Gabriel Fire Dept, CA weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 363 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%Jan 28Dec 18
20%Jan 22Dec 25
30%Jan 13Dec 28
40%Jan 8Dec 31
50%Jan 4Jan 2
60%Jan 1Jan 5
70%Dec 30Jan 10
80%Dec 27Jan 20
90%Dec 19Jan 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 17Dec 26
Frost / freeze (32°F)Jan 4Jan 2
Hard freeze (28°F)——

Planting calendar for Monterey Park

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Nov 9 – Nov 23
Transplant Jan 11 – Jan 25
Peppers
Indoors Oct 26 – Nov 9
Transplant Jan 18 – Feb 1
Eggplant
Indoors Oct 26 – Nov 9
Transplant Jan 18 – Feb 1
Basil
Indoors Nov 23 – Dec 7
Transplant Jan 11 – Jan 25
Cucumbers
Indoors Dec 7 – Dec 14
Sow or transplant Jan 11 – Jan 25
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Dec 7 – Dec 14
Sow or transplant Jan 11 – Jan 25
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Jan 11 – Jan 25
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Dec 7 – Dec 14
Sow or transplant Jan 18 – Feb 1
Green beans
Sow Jan 11 – Jan 25
Sweet corn
Sow Jan 11 – Jan 25
Lettuce
Indoors Nov 23 – Dec 7
Sow or transplant Dec 7 – Dec 21
Fall sowing Nov 7 – Dec 5
Spinach
Sow Nov 23 – Dec 14
Fall sowing Nov 7 – Nov 28
Peas
Sow Nov 23 – Dec 7
Fall sowing Oct 24 – Nov 7
Kale
Indoors Nov 9 – Nov 23
Sow or transplant Dec 7 – Dec 21
Fall sowing Oct 24 – Nov 21
Broccoli
Indoors Nov 9 – Nov 23
Transplant Dec 21 – Jan 4
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Oct 24
Cabbage
Indoors Nov 9 – Nov 23
Transplant Dec 14 – Dec 28
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Oct 24
Carrots
Sow Dec 14 – Jan 4
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Oct 24
Radishes
Sow Nov 30 – Dec 21
Fall sowing Nov 21 – Dec 12
Beets
Sow Dec 14 – Jan 4
Fall sowing Oct 24 – Nov 7
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Oct 12 – Oct 26
Plant Dec 7 – Dec 21
Potatoes
Plant Dec 14 – Dec 28
Garlic
Plant Jan 2 – Jan 30

Based on the average last frost (Jan 4) and first frost (Jan 2). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

AlhambraMontebelloRosemeadSan GabrielSouth PasadenaPico RiveraBellTemple CityAll California towns