Goleta, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 6 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Goleta compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Goleta fall between December 16 and January 11. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as February 13.
- Compared with Santa Barbara, CA, 12 km away, the last frost here is 2 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 16 |
| 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
Goleta, 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 Muni Ap, CA weather station, 4 km away (elevation 10 ft (3 m)).
ZIP codes in Goleta: 93116 93117 93118 93199
Frost dates near Goleta
- Santa Barbara Jan 13 · Jan 6
- Summerland Jan 13 · Jan 6
- Carpinteria Jan 13 · Jan 6
- Santa Ynez Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Los Olivos Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Solvang Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Buellton Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Oak View Mar 21 · Nov 15
- Los Alamos Jan 20 · Dec 19
- Ojai Mar 21 · Nov 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Goleta, CA?
The median last spring frost in Goleta, CA is January 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 13, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Goleta, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Goleta, CA?
About 339 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Goleta, CA?
Goleta, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.