Avila Beach, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Avila Beach compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Avila Beach fall between January 4 and February 1. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 8, or the last frost as late as March 13.
- Compared with Santa Maria, CA, 38 km away, the last frost here is 3 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 18 |
| 50% (median) | February 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 8 |
| 50% (median) | January 4 |
| 90% (late) | February 27 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Avila Beach, CA
Avila Beach, CA frost dates — last frost Feb 1, first frost Jan 4, zone 10a. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Avila Beach, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 9 – Nov 23 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 23 – Dec 7 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 23 – Dec 7 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Jan 4 – Feb 8 | Nov 9 – Dec 7 |
| Kale | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Oct 26 – Nov 16 |
| Broccoli | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | — | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Cabbage | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | — | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | — | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Okra | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — |
| Basil | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 21 – Jan 11 | Oct 12 – Nov 2 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 21 – Jan 11 | Nov 9 – Nov 30 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 28 – Feb 8 | Nov 23 – Dec 14 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | Feb 15 – Feb 22 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Oct 19 – Nov 2 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Oct 26 – Nov 9 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 8 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 8 | Oct 26 – Nov 9 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 1 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 15 | Oct 26 – Nov 9 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 8 | Nov 9 – Nov 30 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 8 – Mar 1 | Oct 19 – Nov 2 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 15 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 21 – Jan 25 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Pismo Beach, CA weather station, 5 km away (elevation 39 ft (12 m)).
Frost dates near Avila Beach
- Pismo Beach Feb 1 · Jan 4
- Grover Beach Feb 1 · Jan 4
- Oceano Feb 1 · Jan 4
- San Luis Obispo Jan 16 · Dec 25
- Los Osos Jan 19 · Jan 14
- Arroyo Grande Feb 1 · Jan 4
- Morro Bay Jan 19 · Jan 14
- Nipomo Feb 4 · Dec 13
- Guadalupe Feb 4 · Dec 13
- Atascadero Jan 19 · Jan 14
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Avila Beach, CA?
The median last spring frost in Avila Beach, CA is February 1. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 13, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Avila Beach, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 8.
How long is the growing season in Avila Beach, CA?
About 337 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Avila Beach, CA?
Avila Beach, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.