Monterey, 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 Monterey compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Monterey fall between December 28 and January 3. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 5, or the last frost as late as January 24.
- Compared with Salinas, CA, 22 km away, the last frost here is 32 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 3 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 5 |
| 50% (median) | December 28 |
| 90% (late) | January 17 |
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
Monterey, 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 Wfo, CA weather station, 2 km away (elevation 121 ft (37 m)).
ZIP codes in Monterey: 93940 93942 93943 93944
Frost dates near Monterey
- Pacific Grove Jan 1 · Dec 30
- Pebble Beach Jan 1 · Dec 30
- Carmel By The Sea Jan 1 · Dec 30
- Carmel Jan 1 · Dec 30
- Seaside Jan 2 · Dec 23
- Marina Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Carmel Valley Feb 20 · Dec 8
- Spreckels Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Castroville Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Salinas Feb 4 · Dec 6
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Monterey, CA?
The median last spring frost in Monterey, CA is January 3. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 24, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Monterey, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 5.
How long is the growing season in Monterey, CA?
About 359 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Monterey, CA?
Monterey, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.