Frost dates for 92078 — San Marcos, CA
Last spring frostRaremost years have none
First fall frostRaremost years have none
Hardiness zone10aZone 10a
Gardening where frost is rare
San Marcos, CA rarely or never drops to freezing, 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.
How San Marcos compares
- Nearby Escondido, CA, 9 km away, gets only light, occasional frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Carlsbad Palomar Ap, CA weather station, 9 km away (elevation 328 ft (100 m)).
ZIP codes in San Marcos: 92069 92078 92079 92096
Frost dates near San Marcos
- Escondido Jan 2 · Dec 30
- Vista Jan 30 · Jan 7
- Encinitas rare frost
- Carlsbad rare frost
- Cardiff By The Sea rare frost
- Solana Beach rare frost
- Rancho Santa Fe Jan 5 · Jan 2
- Del Mar rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in San Marcos, CA?
In most years San Marcos, CA has no frost at all. The nearest NOAA station averages 0 nights a year at or below 32°F — too few to calculate a typical frost date.