Dana Point, 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 Dana Point compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Dana Point fall between January 2 and January 6. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 12, or the last frost as late as February 11.
- Dana Point shares its weather station with Laguna Niguel, CA, 5 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 90% (late) | February 8 |
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
Dana Point, 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 Laguna Beach, CA weather station, 11 km away (elevation 43 ft (13 m)).
Frost dates near Dana Point
- Capistrano Beach Jan 6 · Jan 2
- San Juan Capistrano Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Laguna Niguel Jan 6 · Jan 2
- San Clemente Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Ladera Ranch Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Laguna Beach Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Laguna Hills Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Laguna Woods Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Mission Viejo rare frost
- El Toro Jan 5 · Dec 25
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Dana Point, CA?
The median last spring frost in Dana Point, CA is January 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Dana Point, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 12.
How long is the growing season in Dana Point, CA?
About 361 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Dana Point, CA?
Dana Point, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.