Last frost date in Lancaster, CA
In Lancaster, the last spring frost comes around April 3 in an average year. Wait until April 23 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 1, which leaves 211 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 17 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 23
- Average first frost
- Nov 1
- Frost-free season
- 211 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Mar 8
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2244°
- FriOct 2344°
- SatOct 2446°
- SunOct 2546°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2746°
Planting calendar for Lancaster
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across California.
TomatoesApr 10–Apr 24
PumpkinsApr 17–May 1
SunflowersApr 3–Apr 24
CucumbersApr 17–Apr 24
CornApr 10–Apr 24
Sweet potatoesApr 24–May 8
WatermelonApr 17–May 1
Green beansApr 10–May 1
ZucchiniApr 10–Apr 24
OkraApr 24–May 8
PeppersApr 17–May 1
BasilApr 10–Apr 24
Butternut squashApr 10–Apr 24
CantaloupeApr 17–May 1
EggplantApr 17–May 1
PotatoesMar 6–Mar 20
OnionsFeb 20–Mar 13
CarrotsMar 13–Apr 17
LettuceMar 20–Apr 10
BroccoliMar 6–Mar 20
BeetsMar 6–Apr 17
PeasFeb 20–Mar 6
CabbageMar 6–Mar 20
RadishesFeb 27–Apr 10
Brussels sproutsMar 20–Apr 3
SpinachFeb 20–Mar 13
CilantroMar 20–Apr 10
KaleMar 6–Mar 20
Collard greensMar 6–Mar 20
TurnipsMar 6–Mar 20
DillApr 3–Apr 17
CeleryApr 10–Apr 17
CauliflowerMar 20–Apr 3
LeeksMar 20–Apr 3
Swiss chardMar 20–Apr 17
ParsleyMar 20–Apr 10
Tulip bulbsOct 18–Nov 22
GarlicOct 11–Nov 15
Daffodil bulbsOct 4–Nov 15
StrawberriesMar 6–Mar 20
AsparagusMar 6–Mar 20Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Mar 8 | Apr 3 | Apr 23 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Feb 14 | Mar 8 | Apr 7 | Oct 28 | Nov 10 | Nov 26 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Lancaster Wm J Fox Field (USW00003159) sits 3.9 miles from the center of Lancaster at 2,338 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Lancaster, CA?
The average last frost date in Lancaster is April 3, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 23.
When is the first frost in Lancaster?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 1. One year in ten it arrives before October 17.
How long is the growing season in Lancaster?
About 211 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Lancaster?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from April 10 to April 24. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in California
- PalmdaleMar 10
- RosamondApr 3
- Stevenson RanchJan 8
- San FernandoJan 2
- AltadenaJan 8
- GlendaleJan 2
- BurbankJan 2
- PasadenaJan 8
- MonroviaApr 28
- DuarteApr 28
- ArcadiaJan 4
- East San GabrielJan 4