Last spring frost
Feb 20
Frost Dates for Carmel Valley Village, CA
First fall frost
Dec 8
Growing season
294 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Carmel Valley Village, CA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 20 and the first fall frost is about Dec 8, giving roughly a 294-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 3 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 12 | Apr 13 | Mar 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 27 | Feb 20 | Jan 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 16 | Jan 3 | Dec 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 12 | May 1 | Apr 25 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 2 | Mar 26 | Mar 13 |
| 32°F | Mar 27 | Mar 13 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 10 | Jan 31 | Jan 18 | Jan 3 |
| 28°F | Feb 16 | Jan 28 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 3 | Dec 30 | Dec 25 | Dec 18 | 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 1 | Nov 17 | Dec 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 14 | Dec 8 | Jan 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 27 | Dec 22 | Jan 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 9 |
| 32°F | Nov 14 | Nov 22 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 19 | Dec 29 | Jan 16 |
| 28°F | Nov 27 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 9 | Jan 27 |
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: Carmel Valley, Ca, about 6.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 480 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 Carmel Valley Village, CA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Carmel Valley Village, CA is about Feb 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 3.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Carmel Valley Village, CA typically arrives about Dec 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 Feb 20 on average, or Jan 3 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 294 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 93924 Planting calendar → California frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026