Frost dates for 93111 — Santa Barbara, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 6 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 16 and January 11. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as February 13.
- Nearby Ventura, CA, 53 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 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 16 |
| 90% (late) | January 18 |
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 Muni Ap, CA weather station, 4 km away (elevation 10 ft (3 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
- Carpinteria Jan 13 · Jan 6
- Santa Ynez Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Los Olivos Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Solvang Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Buellton Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Oak View Mar 21 · Nov 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Santa Barbara, CA?
The median last spring frost in Santa Barbara, CA is January 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 13, 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 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Santa Barbara, CA?
About 339 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.