Harman US

Frost Dates for Oceanside, CA

Last spring frost
Jan 23
First fall frost
Dec 11
Growing season
325 days
Hardiness zone
10a

In an average year around Oceanside, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 23 and the first fall frost is about Dec 11, giving roughly a 325-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 22 before setting out tender plants.

Last spring frost

Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.

Last spring frost - Oceanside, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Apr 6 Feb 27 Jan 29
Freeze (32°F) Feb 22 Jan 23 Dec 22
Hard (28°F) Jan 31 Dec 31 Dec 9
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 6 Mar 22 Mar 11 Mar 3 Feb 27 Feb 21 Feb 15 Feb 7 Jan 29
32°F Feb 22 Feb 12 Feb 4 Jan 31 Jan 23 Jan 14 Jan 6 Dec 31 Dec 22
28°F Jan 31 Jan 21 Jan 10 Jan 4 Dec 31 Dec 28 Dec 21 Dec 14 Dec 9

First fall frost

Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.

First fall frost - Oceanside, CA
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Nov 7 Nov 24 Dec 12
Freeze (32°F) Nov 21 Dec 11 Jan 15
Hard (28°F) Dec 3 Dec 23 Jan 25
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Nov 7 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 5 Dec 12
32°F Nov 21 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 6 Dec 11 Dec 15 Dec 20 Dec 29 Jan 15
28°F Dec 3 Dec 9 Dec 13 Dec 17 Dec 23 Dec 28 Jan 2 Jan 10 Jan 25

Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.

Where this data comes from

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Oceanside Muni Ap, Ca, about 3.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 28 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
How we calculate these dates

Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Oceanside, CA?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Oceanside, CA is about Jan 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 22.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Oceanside, CA typically arrives about Dec 11. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.

When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?

Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Jan 23 on average, or Dec 22 to be safe most years.

How long is the growing season here?

The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 325 days in a typical year.

Are these dates a forecast for this year?

No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.

Local weather for 92056 Planting calendar → California frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026