Carmel, 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 Carmel compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Carmel fall between December 30 and January 1. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 7, or the last frost as late as January 21.
- Compared with Salinas, CA, 27 km away, the last frost here is 34 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 11 |
| 50% (median) | January 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 7 |
| 50% (median) | December 30 |
| 90% (late) | January 18 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Carmel, CA only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Monterey, CA weather station, 5 km away (elevation 259 ft (79 m)).
ZIP codes in Carmel: 93922 93923
Frost dates near Carmel
- Carmel By The Sea Jan 1 · Dec 30
- Pebble Beach Jan 1 · Dec 30
- Monterey Jan 3 · Dec 28
- Pacific Grove Jan 1 · Dec 30
- Seaside Jan 2 · Dec 23
- Carmel Valley Feb 20 · Dec 8
- Marina Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Spreckels Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Salinas Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Castroville Feb 4 · Dec 6
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Carmel, CA?
The median last spring frost in Carmel, CA is January 1. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 21, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Carmel, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 7.
How long is the growing season in Carmel, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Carmel, CA?
Carmel, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.