Frost Dates for Pasadena, CA
In Pasadena, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 8 and the average first fall frost around Jan 7, for a growing season of about 365 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Feb 17, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Pasadena, CA weather station, under 1 mile away, elevation 864 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% | Feb 17 | Dec 20 |
| 20% | Jan 27 | Dec 27 |
| 30% | Jan 14 | Jan 1 |
| 40% | Jan 11 | Jan 4 |
| 50% | Jan 8 | Jan 7 |
| 60% | Jan 4 | Jan 10 |
| 70% | Jan 2 | Jan 14 |
| 80% | Dec 28 | Jan 23 |
| 90% | Dec 20 | Feb 14 |
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 17 | Dec 28 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 8 | Jan 7 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | — | — |
Planting calendar for Pasadena
Transplant Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Jan 22 – Feb 5
Transplant Jan 22 – Feb 5
Transplant Jan 15 – Jan 29
Sow or transplant Jan 15 – Jan 29
Sow or transplant Jan 15 – Jan 29
Sow or transplant Jan 22 – Feb 5
Sow or transplant Dec 11 – Dec 25
Fall sowing Nov 12 – Dec 10
Fall sowing Nov 12 – Dec 3
Fall sowing Oct 29 – Nov 12
Sow or transplant Dec 11 – Dec 25
Fall sowing Oct 29 – Nov 26
Transplant Dec 25 – Jan 8
Fall sowing Oct 15 – Oct 29
Transplant Dec 18 – Jan 1
Fall sowing Oct 15 – Oct 29
Fall sowing Oct 15 – Oct 29
Fall sowing Nov 26 – Dec 17
Fall sowing Oct 29 – Nov 12
Plant Dec 11 – Dec 25
Based on the average last frost (Jan 8) and first frost (Jan 7). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.