Gualala, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 12 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Gualala compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Gualala fall between December 27 and February 26. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as May 1.
- Nearby Santa Rosa, CA, 84 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Feb 25), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 27 |
| 50% (median) | February 26 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 27 |
| 90% (late) | February 27 |
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 Gualala, CA
Gualala, CA frost dates — last frost Feb 26, first frost Dec 27, zone 9b. 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 Gualala, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Jan 29 – Mar 5 | Nov 1 – Nov 29 |
| Kale | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Broccoli | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Cabbage | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Okra | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | — |
| Basil | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | Oct 4 – Oct 25 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | Nov 1 – Nov 22 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 22 – Mar 5 | Nov 15 – Dec 6 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 29 – Feb 5 | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Oct 11 – Oct 25 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 29 – Feb 5 | — | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Oct 18 – Nov 1 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 29 – Feb 5 | — | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 29 – Feb 5 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | Oct 18 – Nov 1 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 12 | Oct 18 – Nov 1 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | Nov 1 – Nov 22 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | Oct 11 – Oct 25 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 13 – Jan 17 |
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 Ft Ross, CA weather station, 43 km away (elevation 112 ft (34 m)). That is far enough away that your dates may differ, especially if your elevation is different.
Frost dates near Gualala
- Point Arena Mar 5 · Nov 21
- The Sea Ranch Feb 26 · Dec 27
- Annapolis Feb 26 · Dec 27
- Stewarts Point Feb 26 · Dec 27
- Manchester Mar 5 · Nov 21
- Yorkville Mar 5 · Nov 21
- Boonville Mar 5 · Nov 21
- Philo Mar 5 · Nov 21
- Cazadero Feb 26 · Dec 27
- Navarro Mar 19 · Nov 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Gualala, CA?
The median last spring frost in Gualala, CA is February 26. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Gualala, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Gualala, CA?
About 304 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Gualala, CA?
Gualala, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.