Last spring frost
Apr 11
Frost Dates for Solvang, CA
First fall frost
Nov 8
Growing season
209 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Solvang, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 11 and the first fall frost is about Nov 8, giving roughly a 209-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 14 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 12 | Apr 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 6 | Apr 11 | Mar 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 4 | Feb 27 | Jan 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 25 | Jan 24 | Dec 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 7 | May 30 | May 25 | May 18 | May 12 | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 19 |
| 32°F | May 6 | Apr 26 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 29 | Mar 14 |
| 28°F | Apr 4 | Mar 25 | Mar 12 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 6 | Jan 24 |
| 24°F | Feb 25 | Feb 13 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 13 | Jan 5 | Dec 29 | Dec 17 |
| 20°F | Feb 2 | Jan 24 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Jan 2 | Dec 30 | Dec 23 | Dec 17 | 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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 21 | Oct 17 | Nov 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 14 | Nov 8 | Nov 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 7 | Nov 27 | Dec 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 22 | Dec 13 | Jan 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 21 | Sep 30 | Oct 5 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 4 |
| 32°F | Oct 14 | Oct 25 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 |
| 28°F | Nov 7 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 |
| 24°F | Nov 22 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 2 | Jan 20 |
| 20°F | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 4 | Jan 11 | Jan 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.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Cachuma Lake, Ca, about 8.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 789 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 Solvang, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Solvang, CA is about Apr 11. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Solvang, CA typically arrives about Nov 8. 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 11 on average, or Mar 14 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 209 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 93463 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026