Frost dates for 93107 — Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Santa Barbara fall between December 20 and December 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as January 29.
- Nearby Ventura, CA, 57 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 8 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 29 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 20 |
| 90% (late) | January 19 |
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 Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara 11 W, CA weather station, 2 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
ZIP codes in Santa Barbara: 93101 93102 93103 93105 93106 93107 93108 93109 93110 93111 93120 93121 93130 93140 93150 93160 93190
Frost dates near Santa Barbara
- Goleta Jan 11 · Dec 16
- Summerland Jan 13 · Jan 6
- Santa Ynez Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Carpinteria Jan 13 · Jan 6
- Los Olivos Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Solvang Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Buellton Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Los Alamos Jan 20 · Dec 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Santa Barbara, CA?
The median last spring frost in Santa Barbara, CA is December 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 29, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Santa Barbara, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 20, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Santa Barbara, CA?
About 354 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Santa Barbara, CA?
Santa Barbara, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.