Last frost date in Poway, CA
Expect the last frost in Poway around January 5. Frost after February 1 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about January 2, which leaves 365 frost-free days. An early freeze before December 13 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Feb 1
- Average first frost
- Jan 2
- Frost-free season
- 365 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- rare
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2257°
- FriOct 2354°
- SatOct 2457°
- SunOct 2558°
- MonOct 2659°
- TueOct 2759°
Planting calendar for Poway
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across California.
TomatoesFeb 15–Mar 1
PumpkinsFeb 15–Mar 1
SunflowersFeb 15–Mar 8
CucumbersFeb 22–Mar 1
CornFeb 15–Mar 1
Sweet potatoesFeb 15–Mar 1
WatermelonFeb 15–Mar 1
Green beansFeb 15–Mar 8
ZucchiniFeb 15–Mar 1
OkraFeb 15–Mar 1
PeppersFeb 15–Mar 1
BasilFeb 15–Mar 1
Butternut squashFeb 15–Mar 1
CantaloupeFeb 15–Mar 1
EggplantFeb 15–Mar 1
PotatoesDec 8–Dec 22
OnionsNov 24–Dec 15
CarrotsDec 15–Jan 19
LettuceDec 22–Jan 12
BroccoliDec 8–Dec 22
BeetsDec 8–Jan 19
PeasNov 24–Dec 8
CabbageDec 8–Dec 22
RadishesDec 1–Jan 12
Brussels sproutsDec 22–Jan 5
SpinachNov 24–Dec 15
CilantroDec 22–Jan 12
KaleDec 8–Dec 22
Collard greensDec 8–Dec 22
TurnipsDec 8–Dec 22
DillJan 5–Jan 19
CeleryJan 12–Jan 19
CauliflowerDec 22–Jan 5
LeeksDec 22–Jan 5
Swiss chardDec 22–Jan 19
ParsleyDec 22–Jan 12
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesDec 8–Dec 22
AsparagusDec 8–Dec 22Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Dec 13 | Jan 5 | Feb 1 | Dec 13 | Jan 2 | Jan 31 |
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 Rancho Bernardo (USC00047248) sits 4.2 miles from the center of Poway at 690 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 Poway, CA?
The average last frost date in Poway is January 5, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after February 1.
When is the first frost in Poway?
The first frost in fall usually comes around January 2. One year in ten it arrives before December 13.
How long is the growing season in Poway?
About 365 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Poway?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 15 to March 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in California
- RamonaMar 19
- SanteeJan 6
- EscondidoJan 2
- LakesideJan 6
- Winter GardensJan 6
- San Diegono frost
- San MarcosJan 2
- El CajonJan 6
- Encinitasno frost
- La MesaJan 6
- Rancho San DiegoJan 6
- Lemon Groveno frost