Frost dates for 92705 — Santa Ana, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Santa Ana compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Santa Ana fall between December 25 and January 5. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 3, or the last frost as late as February 2.
- Nearby Anaheim, CA, 13 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 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 3 |
| 50% (median) | December 25 |
| 90% (late) | January 20 |
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
Santa Ana, 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 Tustin Irvine Rch, CA weather station, 7 km away (elevation 236 ft (72 m)).
ZIP codes in Santa Ana: 92701 92702 92703 92704 92705 92706 92707 92711 92712 92735 92799
Frost dates near Santa Ana
- Tustin rare frost
- Orange rare frost
- Villa Park rare frost
- Irvine Jan 5 · Dec 25
- East Irvine Jan 5 · Dec 25
- Atwood rare frost
- Anaheim rare frost
- Fountain Valley rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Santa Ana, CA?
The median last spring frost in Santa Ana, CA is January 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Santa Ana, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 3.
How long is the growing season in Santa Ana, CA?
About 354 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.