Carpinteria, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Carpinteria compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Carpinteria fall between January 6 and January 13. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 12, or the last frost as late as February 24.
- Carpinteria shares its weather station with Santa Barbara, CA, 19 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 13 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 90% (late) | February 22 |
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
Carpinteria, 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 Santa Barbara, CA weather station, 15 km away (elevation 16 ft (5 m)).
ZIP codes in Carpinteria: 93013 93014
Frost dates near Carpinteria
- Summerland Jan 13 · Jan 6
- Santa Barbara Jan 13 · Jan 6
- Oak View Mar 21 · Nov 15
- Ojai Mar 21 · Nov 15
- Ventura rare frost
- Goleta Jan 11 · Dec 16
- Port Hueneme Cbc Base rare frost
- Port Hueneme rare frost
- Santa Paula Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Oxnard rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Carpinteria, CA?
The median last spring frost in Carpinteria, CA is January 13. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 24, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Carpinteria, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 12.
How long is the growing season in Carpinteria, CA?
About 358 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Carpinteria, CA?
Carpinteria, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.