When to plant in Whittier, CA
USDA Zone 10bEverything below — frost dates, hardiness zone, and what to plant when in Whittier, California — is derived from the closest NOAA station with complete climate normals.
A ~-2-day frost-free window makes Whittier a short-season garden: choose early varieties and start long-season crops indoors well ahead of the last frost. In zone 10b, frost is a minor factor for Whittier — most perennials thrive, and annual vegetables can go out early and stay late.
Frost probability
SAN GABRIEL FIRE DEPT · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Whittier’s own odds, recorded at SAN GABRIEL FIRE DEPT.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Feb 20 | Jan 17 | Dec 20 | Dec 6 | Dec 26 | Jan 30 |
| 32°F | Jan 28 | Jan 4 | Dec 19 | Dec 18 | Jan 2 | Jan 26 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Nothing new to sow or transplant outdoors in the next few weeks — a seasonal lull. Check the full-year calendar below for the next window.
Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Whittier, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 27 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Whittier planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Whittier, CA?
On average, the last spring frost in Whittier is around January 4 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Whittier, CA?
The first fall frost in Whittier typically arrives around January 2 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Whittier in?
Whittier is in USDA hardiness zone 10b. In zone 10b, winters are mild — many tender perennials overwinter here.
How long is the growing season in Whittier?
Whittier has about -2 frost-free days — a short growing season — between the average last spring frost (January 4) and first fall frost (January 2).
When should I plant tomatoes in Whittier?
For Whittier, sow tomatoes indoors about November 9–November 23 and move the seedlings out around January 11, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Whittier
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Whittier’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- South Whittier · 4 km
- West Whittier-Los Nietos · 5 km
- Santa Fe Springs · 5 km
- Hacienda Heights · 5 km
- Pico Rivera · 7 km
- La Mirada · 7 km
- La Habra · 8 km
- Avocado Heights · 8 km
Frost dates recorded at SAN GABRIEL FIRE DEPT, 15 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Whittier, CA — Frost Dates & Zone 10b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00047785. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/california/whittier.