Last spring frost
Feb 13
Frost Dates for Fort Hunter Liggett, CA
First fall frost
Dec 27
Growing season
323 days
Hardiness zone
10b
In an average year around Fort Hunter Liggett, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 13 and the first fall frost is about Dec 27, giving roughly a 323-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 26 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 13 | Mar 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 1 | Feb 13 | Dec 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 21 | Jan 25 | Dec 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 13 | May 2 | Apr 27 | Apr 19 | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 23 | Mar 6 |
| 32°F | Apr 1 | Mar 22 | Mar 7 | Feb 25 | Feb 13 | Feb 2 | Jan 24 | Jan 9 | Dec 26 |
| 28°F | Mar 21 | Feb 26 | Feb 10 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 13 | Jan 2 | Dec 26 | Dec 17 |
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 27 | Nov 28 | Dec 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 23 | Dec 27 | Feb 22 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 10 | Jan 6 | Mar 18 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 27 | Nov 6 | Nov 13 | Nov 21 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 17 | Dec 31 |
| 32°F | Nov 23 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 29 | Feb 22 |
| 28°F | Dec 10 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 20 | Jan 30 | Feb 14 | Mar 18 |
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: Big Sur Stn, Ca, about 20 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 200 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 Fort Hunter Liggett, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fort Hunter Liggett, CA is about Feb 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 26.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Fort Hunter Liggett, CA typically arrives about Dec 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 Feb 13 on average, or Dec 26 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 323 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 93920 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026