Santa Paula, 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 Santa Paula compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Santa Paula fall between December 28 and December 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 7, or the last frost as late as February 2.
- Santa Paula shares its weather station with Camarillo, CA, 15 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 11 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 7 |
| 50% (median) | December 28 |
| 90% (late) | January 29 |
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
Santa Paula, 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 Camarillo Ap, CA weather station, 15 km away (elevation 79 ft (24 m)).
ZIP codes in Santa Paula: 93060 93061
Frost dates near Santa Paula
- Somis Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Fillmore Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Camarillo Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Moorpark Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Ventura rare frost
- Ojai Mar 21 · Nov 15
- Oak View Mar 21 · Nov 15
- Newbury Park Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Oxnard rare frost
- Port Hueneme Cbc Base rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Santa Paula, CA?
The median last spring frost in Santa Paula, CA is December 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Santa Paula, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 7.
How long is the growing season in Santa Paula, CA?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Santa Paula, CA?
Santa Paula, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.