Frost dates for 92129 — San Diego, 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 San Diego compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in San Diego 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.
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
San Diego, 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, 7 km away (elevation 689 ft (210 m)).
ZIP codes in San Diego: 92101 92102 92103 92104 92105 92106 92107 92108 92109 92110 92111 92112 92113 92114 92115 92116 92117 92119 92120 92121 92122 92123 92124 92126 92127 92128 92129 92130 92131 92132 92134 92135 92136 92137 92138 92139 92140 92142 92145 92147 92149 92150 92152 92153 92154 92155 92158 92159 92160 92161 92163 92165 92166 92167 92168 92169 92170 92171 92172 92174 …
Frost dates near San Diego
- Rancho Santa Fe Jan 5 · Jan 2
- Poway Jan 5 · Jan 2
- Del Mar rare frost
- Solana Beach rare frost
- Cardiff By The Sea rare frost
- Encinitas rare frost
- Escondido Jan 2 · Dec 30
- Santee Jan 6 · Dec 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in San Diego, CA?
The median last spring frost in San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is San Diego, CA?
San Diego, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.