Frost dates for 93905 — Salinas, 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 Salinas compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Salinas fall between December 10 and January 29. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 21, or the last frost as late as March 1.
- Compared with San Jose, CA, 75 km away, the last frost here is 27 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 18 |
| 50% (median) | January 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 21 |
| 50% (median) | December 10 |
| 90% (late) | January 15 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Salinas, CA
Frost dates for 93905 — Salinas, CA — last frost Jan 29, first frost Dec 10, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Salinas, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 6 – Nov 20 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 20 – Dec 4 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 20 – Dec 4 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Jan 1 – Feb 5 | Oct 15 – Nov 12 |
| Kale | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Oct 1 – Oct 22 |
| Broccoli | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| Cabbage | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | — | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| Okra | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — |
| Basil | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 18 – Jan 8 | Sep 17 – Oct 8 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 18 – Jan 8 | Oct 15 – Nov 5 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 25 – Feb 5 | Oct 29 – Nov 19 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 19 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Sep 24 – Oct 8 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | Sep 17 – Oct 1 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 8 – Jan 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | Oct 15 – Nov 5 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | Sep 24 – Oct 8 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 26 – Dec 31 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Salinas Municipal Ap, CA weather station, 2 km away (elevation 75 ft (23 m)).
ZIP codes in Salinas: 93901 93902 93905 93906 93907 93908 93912 93915
Frost dates near Salinas
- Spreckels Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Marina Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Castroville Feb 4 · Dec 6
- Seaside Jan 2 · Dec 23
- Chualar Apr 14 · Nov 2
- San Juan Bautista Feb 19 · Dec 1
- Moss Landing Jan 28 · Dec 13
- Aromas Jan 28 · Dec 13
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Salinas, CA?
The median last spring frost in Salinas, CA is January 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Salinas, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 21.
How long is the growing season in Salinas, CA?
About 315 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Salinas, CA?
Salinas, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.