Frost dates for 92067 — Rancho Santa Fe, CA
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 Rancho Santa Fe compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Rancho Santa Fe fall between January 2 and January 5. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 13, or the last frost as late as February 1.
- Nearby Encinitas, CA, 7 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 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 90% (late) | January 31 |
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
Rancho Santa Fe, 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 Rancho Bernardo, CA weather station, 13 km away (elevation 689 ft (210 m)).
ZIP codes in Rancho Santa Fe: 92067 92091
Frost dates near Rancho Santa Fe
- Solana Beach rare frost
- Del Mar rare frost
- Cardiff By The Sea rare frost
- Encinitas rare frost
- San Marcos Jan 2 · Dec 30
- Poway Jan 5 · Jan 2
- Carlsbad rare frost
- Escondido Jan 2 · Dec 30
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Rancho Santa Fe, CA?
The median last spring frost in Rancho Santa Fe, CA is January 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Rancho Santa Fe, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 13.
How long is the growing season in Rancho Santa Fe, CA?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Rancho Santa Fe, CA?
Rancho Santa Fe, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.