Nipomo, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 9 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Nipomo compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Nipomo fall between December 13 and February 4. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 21, or the last frost as late as March 16.
- Nipomo shares its weather station with Santa Maria, CA, 12 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | February 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 21 |
| 50% (median) | December 13 |
| 90% (late) | January 10 |
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 Nipomo, CA
Nipomo, CA frost dates — last frost Feb 4, first frost Dec 13, 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 Nipomo, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 12 – Nov 26 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 26 – Dec 10 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 26 – Dec 10 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Jan 7 – Feb 11 | Oct 18 – Nov 15 |
| Kale | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Oct 4 – Oct 25 |
| Broccoli | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cabbage | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Okra | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — |
| Basil | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 24 – Jan 14 | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 24 – Jan 14 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 31 – Feb 11 | Nov 1 – Nov 22 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 4 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 18 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 11 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 29 – Jan 3 |
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 Santa Maria Public Ap, CA weather station, 15 km away (elevation 243 ft (74 m)).
Frost dates near Nipomo
- Guadalupe Feb 4 · Dec 13
- Santa Maria Feb 4 · Dec 13
- Arroyo Grande Feb 1 · Jan 4
- Oceano Feb 1 · Jan 4
- Grover Beach Feb 1 · Jan 4
- Pismo Beach Feb 1 · Jan 4
- Casmalia Feb 4 · Dec 13
- Avila Beach Feb 1 · Jan 4
- San Luis Obispo Jan 16 · Dec 25
- Lompoc Jan 20 · Dec 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Nipomo, CA?
The median last spring frost in Nipomo, CA is February 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Nipomo, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 21.
How long is the growing season in Nipomo, CA?
About 312 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Nipomo, CA?
Nipomo, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.