Frost dates for 93130 — Santa Barbara, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Santa Barbara compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Santa Barbara fall between January 6 and January 13. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 12, or the last frost as late as February 24.
- Nearby Ventura, CA, 43 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 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 13 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 90% (late) | February 22 |
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, CA weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 16 ft (5 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
- Summerland Jan 13 · Jan 6
- Goleta Jan 11 · Dec 16
- Carpinteria Jan 13 · Jan 6
- Oak View Mar 21 · Nov 15
- Santa Ynez Apr 11 · Nov 8
- Ojai Mar 21 · Nov 15
- Ventura rare frost
- Los Olivos Apr 11 · Nov 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Santa Barbara, CA?
The median last spring frost in Santa Barbara, CA is January 13. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 24, 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 January 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 12.
How long is the growing season in Santa Barbara, CA?
About 358 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 10b.