San Luis Rey, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 8 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How San Luis Rey compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in San Luis Rey fall between December 11 and January 23. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 21, or the last frost as late as February 22.
- San Luis Rey shares its weather station with Oceanside, CA, 4 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 22 |
| 50% (median) | January 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 22 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 21 |
| 50% (median) | December 11 |
| 90% (late) | January 15 |
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 Luis Rey, 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 Oceanside Muni Ap, CA weather station, 3 km away (elevation 30 ft (9 m)).
Frost dates near San Luis Rey
- Oceanside Jan 23 · Dec 11
- Camp Pendleton Jan 23 · Dec 11
- Vista Jan 30 · Jan 7
- Carlsbad rare frost
- Bonsall Jan 30 · Jan 7
- Fallbrook Feb 2 · Jan 30
- San Marcos Jan 2 · Dec 30
- Encinitas rare frost
- Cardiff By The Sea rare frost
- Escondido Jan 2 · Dec 30
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in San Luis Rey, CA?
The median last spring frost in San Luis Rey, CA is January 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 22, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in San Luis Rey, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 11, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 21.
How long is the growing season in San Luis Rey, CA?
About 322 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is San Luis Rey, CA?
San Luis Rey, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.