In order to evaluate planting date effect on yield and yield components of safflower cultivars, an experiment was conducted in factorial based on randomized complete blocks design with four replications at research farm of Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan in 2012. Factors were included three planting date (4 April, 25 April and 16 May) and four cultivars (411, Local Esfahan, Sina and Sofeh). Results demonstrated that the yield components affected by planting date and cultivar, so that, earlier planting was led to more head number per plant, grain number per head and 1000 grain weight. Local Esfahan and Sofeh cultivars had the maximum number of grain per head and Sina and 411 cultivars had the highest 1000 grain weight. In the first planting date, the highest grain yield was obtained in 411 cultivar (5044 kg/ha) that did not have any significant difference with Local Esfahan grain yield. Cultivars had no significant difference in grain yields in second and third planting dates. The grain yield ranged from 1575 to 1716.7 kg/ha in second planting date and varied from 823 to 1176 kg/ha in third planting date. Harvest index just responded to cultivar. The maximum harvest index was obtained from Sina cultivar (43%) and it was not significant with 411 cultivar harvest index only. In general, it was concluded that 411 and Local Esfahan cultivars were suitable for cultivation in first planting date.