Frost Dates for Anza, CA
In an average year around Anza, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 29 and the first fall frost is about Nov 18, giving roughly a 201-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 2 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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Jun 7 | May 19 | Apr 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 29 | Apr 29 | Apr 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 5 | Apr 5 | Feb 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 15 | Mar 4 | Jan 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 7 | Jun 1 | May 29 | May 24 | May 19 | May 13 | May 6 | Apr 30 | Apr 23 |
| 32°F | May 29 | May 18 | May 10 | May 3 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 17 | Apr 11 | Apr 2 |
| 28°F | May 5 | Apr 27 | Apr 18 | Apr 11 | Apr 5 | Mar 29 | Mar 21 | Mar 11 | Feb 26 |
| 24°F | Apr 15 | Apr 1 | Mar 22 | Mar 13 | Mar 4 | Feb 25 | Feb 16 | Feb 1 | Jan 6 |
| 20°F | Mar 26 | Mar 7 | Feb 26 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Jan 31 | Jan 19 | Jan 5 | Dec 26 |
| 16°F | Feb 23 | Feb 19 | Feb 14 | Feb 11 | Feb 7 | Feb 3 | Jan 25 | Jan 11 | Jan 4 |
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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 10 | Nov 1 | Nov 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 27 | Nov 18 | Dec 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 6 | Dec 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 30 | Dec 25 | Feb 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 10 | Oct 16 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 21 |
| 32°F | Oct 27 | Nov 2 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 |
| 28°F | Nov 10 | Nov 19 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 31 |
| 24°F | Nov 30 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 11 | Jan 28 | Feb 19 |
| 20°F | Dec 12 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 20 | Jan 29 | Feb 10 | Feb 19 | Mar 8 |
| 16°F | Jan 2 | Jan 10 | Jan 24 | Feb 1 | Feb 6 | Feb 8 | Feb 13 | Feb 18 | Feb 22 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Palomar Mtn Obsy, Ca, about 15.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 5,550 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
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 Anza, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Anza, CA is about Apr 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Anza, CA typically arrives about Nov 18. 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 Apr 29 on average, or Apr 2 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 201 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 92539 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026