Harman US

Frost Dates for Oceanside, CA

Last spring frost
Jan 30
First fall frost
Jan 7
Growing season
365 days
Hardiness zone
10a

In an average year around Oceanside, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 30 and the first fall frost is about Jan 7, giving roughly a 365-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 20 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 16 Dec 27
Freeze (32°F) Mar 16 Jan 30 Dec 20
Hard (28°F) Mar 16 Dec 30 Dec 14
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Apr 6 Mar 15 Mar 2 Feb 25 Feb 16 Feb 6 Jan 22 Jan 6 Dec 27
32°F Mar 16 Mar 4 Feb 24 Feb 15 Jan 30 Jan 9 Dec 31 Dec 26 Dec 20
28°F Mar 16 Mar 10 Mar 3 Feb 12 Dec 30 Dec 23 Dec 20 Dec 16 Dec 14

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) Dec 4 Dec 25 Feb 9
Freeze (32°F) Dec 14 Jan 7 Mar 14
Hard (28°F) Dec 13 Dec 30 Mar 16
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Dec 4 Dec 10 Dec 14 Dec 19 Dec 25 Dec 30 Jan 4 Jan 20 Feb 9
32°F Dec 14 Dec 19 Dec 24 Dec 30 Jan 7 Jan 28 Feb 15 Feb 27 Mar 14
28°F Dec 13 Dec 16 Dec 20 Dec 22 Dec 30 Feb 9 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 16

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: Vista, Ca, about 3.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 430 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 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 20.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Oceanside, CA typically arrives about Jan 7. 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 30 on average, or Dec 20 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 365 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 92057 Planting calendar → California frost dates →

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