Topanga, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 11 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Topanga compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Topanga fall between December 15 and January 24. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 27, or the last frost as late as March 5.
- Nearby Santa Monica, CA, 14 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 21 |
| 50% (median) | January 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 5 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 27 |
| 50% (median) | December 15 |
| 90% (late) | January 26 |
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
Topanga, 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 Woodland Hills Pierce College, CA weather station, 9 km away (elevation 791 ft (241 m)).
Frost dates near Topanga
- Calabasas Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Woodland Hills Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Tarzana Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Pacific Palisades rare frost
- West Hills Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Canoga Park Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Encino Dec 31 · Dec 30
- Winnetka Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Reseda Jan 24 · Dec 15
- Santa Monica rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Topanga, CA?
The median last spring frost in Topanga, CA is January 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 5, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Topanga, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 15, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 27.
How long is the growing season in Topanga, CA?
About 325 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Topanga, CA?
Topanga, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.