Thousand Oaks, 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 Thousand Oaks compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Thousand Oaks 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.
- Nearby Oxnard, CA, 30 km away, rarely gets frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
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
Thousand Oaks, 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, 22 km away (elevation 79 ft (24 m)).
ZIP codes in Thousand Oaks: 91358 91360 91362
Frost dates near Thousand Oaks
- Westlake Village Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Oak Park Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Newbury Park Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Agoura Hills Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Moorpark Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Simi Valley Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Brandeis Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Camarillo Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Somis Dec 31 · Dec 28
- Calabasas Jan 24 · Dec 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Thousand Oaks, CA?
The median last spring frost in Thousand Oaks, 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 Thousand Oaks, 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 Thousand Oaks, CA?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Thousand Oaks, CA?
Thousand Oaks, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.