Watsonville, 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 Watsonville compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Watsonville fall between December 13 and January 28. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 25, or the last frost as late as March 3.
- Compared with Santa Cruz, CA, 26 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 23 |
| 50% (median) | January 28 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 3 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 25 |
| 50% (median) | December 13 |
| 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.
Planting calendar for Watsonville, CA
Watsonville, CA frost dates — last frost Jan 28, first frost Dec 13, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Watsonville, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 5 – Nov 19 | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 19 – Dec 3 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 19 – Dec 3 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Dec 31 – Feb 4 | Oct 18 – Nov 15 |
| Kale | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Oct 4 – Oct 25 |
| Broccoli | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cabbage | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Okra | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — |
| Basil | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 17 – Jan 7 | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 17 – Jan 7 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 24 – Feb 4 | Nov 1 – Nov 22 |
| Cucumbers | Dec 31 – Jan 7 | Feb 11 – Feb 18 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Dec 31 – Jan 7 | — | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Dec 31 – Jan 7 | — | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Dec 31 – Jan 7 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 7 – Feb 4 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 7 – Feb 4 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 7 – Jan 28 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 4 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 4 – Feb 25 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 29 – Jan 3 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Watsonville Wtr Wks, CA weather station, 2 km away (elevation 95 ft (29 m)).
ZIP codes in Watsonville: 95076 95077
Frost dates near Watsonville
- Freedom Jan 28 · Dec 13
- Moss Landing Jan 28 · Dec 13
- Aromas Jan 28 · Dec 13
- Aptos Jan 29 · Dec 13
- Castroville Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Capitola Jan 29 · Dec 13
- Gilroy Feb 24 · Nov 27
- Soquel Jan 29 · Dec 13
- San Juan Bautista Feb 19 · Dec 1
- San Martin Feb 24 · Nov 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Watsonville, CA?
The median last spring frost in Watsonville, CA is January 28. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 3, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Watsonville, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 25.
How long is the growing season in Watsonville, CA?
About 319 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Watsonville, CA?
Watsonville, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.