Last spring frost
Jan 29
Frost Dates for Salinas, CA
First fall frost
Dec 10
Growing season
325 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Salinas, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 29 and the first fall frost is about Dec 10, giving roughly a 325-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 18 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) | Apr 8 | Mar 9 | Feb 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 1 | Jan 29 | Dec 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jan 31 | Dec 31 | Dec 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 8 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 17 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 | Feb 16 | Feb 2 |
| 32°F | Mar 1 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 29 | Jan 18 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 18 |
| 28°F | Jan 31 | Jan 21 | Jan 12 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 26 | Dec 19 | Dec 12 | Dec 6 |
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) | Nov 4 | Nov 23 | Dec 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 21 | Dec 10 | Jan 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 1 | Dec 25 | Jan 20 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 14 |
| 32°F | Nov 21 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Jan 1 | Jan 15 |
| 28°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 20 |
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: Salinas Municipal Ap, Ca, about 2.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 74 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 Salinas, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Salinas, CA is about Jan 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 18.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Salinas, CA typically arrives about Dec 10. 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 29 on average, or Dec 18 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 93908 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026