Frost dates for 92018 — Carlsbad, CA
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 Carlsbad compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Carlsbad fall between December 11 and January 23. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 21, or the last frost as late as February 22.
- Carlsbad shares its weather station with Oceanside, CA, 5 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 22 |
| 50% (median) | January 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 22 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 21 |
| 50% (median) | December 11 |
| 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.
Gardening where frost is rare
Carlsbad, 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 Oceanside Muni Ap, CA weather station, 7 km away (elevation 30 ft (9 m)).
ZIP codes in Carlsbad: 92008 92009 92010 92011 92013 92018
Frost dates near Carlsbad
- Oceanside Jan 23 · Dec 11
- San Luis Rey Jan 23 · Dec 11
- Camp Pendleton Jan 23 · Dec 11
- Vista Jan 30 · Jan 7
- Encinitas rare frost
- Cardiff By The Sea rare frost
- San Marcos Jan 2 · Dec 30
- Solana Beach rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Carlsbad, CA?
The median last spring frost in Carlsbad, CA is January 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 22, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Carlsbad, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 11, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 21.
How long is the growing season in Carlsbad, CA?
About 322 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Carlsbad, CA?
Carlsbad, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.