Frost Dates for Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240

Last spring frost January 10 · First fall frost October 13 · 276 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10a

Frost probability for 92240

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)March 7January 10—
Fall (first frost)November 18October 13—

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (39.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Desert Hot Springs, CA

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
92240January 10October 1310a
92241January 10December 210a

Month by month in Desert Hot Springs

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryLast frost around January 10. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
FebruaryFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
MarchSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
AprilHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
MayMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
JuneDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
JulyDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 13). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 13. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 276-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Desert Hot Springs, CA (ZIP 92240)?

The median last spring frost date for Desert Hot Springs, CA (ZIP code 92240) is around January 10. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Desert Hot Springs, CA?

The median first fall frost date for Desert Hot Springs, CA is around October 13. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Desert Hot Springs, CA?

The frost-free growing season in Desert Hot Springs is about 276 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Desert Hot Springs, CA?

Based on frost date patterns, Desert Hot Springs falls approximately in 10a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Desert Hot Springs, CA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around January 10). For Desert Hot Springs, that's roughly November 15 to November 29. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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