Last spring frost
Mar 20
Frost Dates for Eastern Goleta Valley, CA
First fall frost
Nov 27
Growing season
250 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Eastern Goleta Valley, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 20 and the first fall frost is about Nov 27, giving roughly a 250-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 17 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) | May 13 | Apr 19 | Mar 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 16 | Mar 20 | Feb 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 16 | Feb 8 | Dec 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 14 | Jan 4 | Dec 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 13 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Mar 26 |
| 32°F | Apr 16 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Mar 29 | Mar 20 | Mar 14 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 17 |
| 28°F | Mar 16 | Mar 2 | Feb 23 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Jan 31 | Jan 20 | Jan 7 | Dec 28 |
| 24°F | Feb 14 | Feb 3 | Jan 23 | Jan 11 | Jan 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 28 | Dec 21 | Dec 13 |
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 15 | Nov 9 | Nov 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 4 | Nov 27 | Dec 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 24 | Dec 13 | Jan 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 6 | Dec 28 | Feb 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 15 | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 |
| 32°F | Nov 4 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 |
| 28°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 7 |
| 24°F | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jan 18 | Feb 3 |
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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Gibraltar Dam #2, Ca, about 11 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,558 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
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 Eastern Goleta Valley, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Eastern Goleta Valley, CA is about Mar 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 17.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Eastern Goleta Valley, CA typically arrives about Nov 27. 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 Mar 20 on average, or Feb 17 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 250 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 93460 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026