Seaside, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Seaside compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Seaside fall between December 23 and January 2. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as January 20.
- Compared with Salinas, CA, 14 km away, the last frost here is 33 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 6 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 20 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 23 |
| 90% (late) | January 12 |
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
Seaside, 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 Peninsul Ap, CA weather station, 6 km away (elevation 164 ft (50 m)).
Frost dates near Seaside
- Marina Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Monterey Jan 3 · Dec 28
- Pacific Grove Jan 1 · Dec 30
- Spreckels Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Carmel Jan 1 · Dec 30
- Pebble Beach Jan 1 · Dec 30
- Carmel By The Sea Jan 1 · Dec 30
- Salinas Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Castroville Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Carmel Valley Feb 20 · Dec 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Seaside, CA?
The median last spring frost in Seaside, CA is January 2. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 20, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Seaside, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 23, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Seaside, CA?
About 355 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Seaside, CA?
Seaside, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.