Bonsall, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 1 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Bonsall compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Bonsall fall between January 7 and January 30. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 14, or the last frost as late as March 16.
- Bonsall shares its weather station with Vista, CA, 12 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 30 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 7 |
| 90% (late) | March 14 |
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 Bonsall, CA
Bonsall, CA frost dates — last frost Jan 30, first frost Jan 7, 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 Bonsall, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 7 – Nov 21 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 21 – Dec 5 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 21 – Dec 5 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 2 – Feb 6 | Nov 12 – Dec 10 |
| Kale | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Oct 29 – Nov 19 |
| Broccoli | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | — | Oct 1 – Oct 22 |
| Cabbage | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | — | Oct 1 – Oct 22 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | — | Oct 1 – Oct 22 |
| Okra | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — |
| Basil | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 19 – Jan 9 | Oct 15 – Nov 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 19 – Jan 9 | Nov 12 – Dec 3 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 26 – Feb 6 | Nov 26 – Dec 17 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Oct 22 – Nov 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Oct 29 – Nov 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 9 – Feb 6 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 9 – Feb 6 | Oct 29 – Nov 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 9 – Jan 30 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 13 | Oct 29 – Nov 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 6 | Nov 12 – Dec 3 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 6 – Feb 27 | Oct 22 – Nov 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 13 – Mar 6 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 24 – Jan 28 |
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 Vista, CA weather station, 8 km away (elevation 430 ft (131 m)).
Frost dates near Bonsall
- Fallbrook Feb 2 · Jan 30
- Vista Jan 30 · Jan 7
- San Luis Rey Jan 23 · Dec 11
- Pala Feb 2 · Jan 30
- Valley Center Feb 19 · Dec 1
- San Marcos Jan 2 · Dec 30
- Oceanside Jan 23 · Dec 11
- Camp Pendleton Jan 23 · Dec 11
- Carlsbad rare frost
- Pauma Valley Feb 19 · Dec 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bonsall, CA?
The median last spring frost in Bonsall, CA is January 30. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bonsall, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 14.
How long is the growing season in Bonsall, CA?
About 342 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bonsall, CA?
Bonsall, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.