San Andreas, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 7 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How San Andreas compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in San Andreas fall between December 17 and January 22. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as March 1.
- Nearby Lodi, CA, 57 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Feb 9), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 23 |
| 50% (median) | January 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 17 |
| 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
San Andreas, 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 Camp Pardee, CA weather station, 19 km away (elevation 659 ft (201 m)).
Frost dates near San Andreas
- Mountain Ranch May 7 · Oct 28
- Altaville Feb 20 · Dec 11
- Angels Camp Feb 20 · Dec 11
- Mokelumne Hill May 7 · Oct 28
- Murphys Feb 20 · Dec 11
- Vallecito Feb 20 · Dec 11
- Douglas Flat Feb 20 · Dec 11
- Campo Seco Jan 22 · Dec 17
- Valley Springs Jan 22 · Dec 17
- Glencoe Mar 4 · Dec 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in San Andreas, CA?
The median last spring frost in San Andreas, CA is January 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in San Andreas, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 17, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in San Andreas, CA?
About 329 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is San Andreas, CA?
San Andreas, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.