Frost dates for 93915 — Salinas, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 7 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Salinas compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Salinas fall between December 6 and February 4. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 18, or the last frost as late as March 11.
- Compared with San Jose, CA, 74 km away, the last frost here is 33 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 25 |
| 50% (median) | February 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 18 |
| 50% (median) | December 6 |
| 90% (late) | January 5 |
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 93915 — Salinas, CA — last frost Feb 4, first frost Dec 6, 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 12 – Nov 26 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 26 – Dec 10 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 26 – Dec 10 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Jan 7 – Feb 11 | Oct 11 – Nov 8 |
| Kale | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Sep 27 – Oct 18 |
| Broccoli | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Cabbage | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | — | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Okra | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — |
| Basil | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 24 – Jan 14 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 24 – Jan 14 | Oct 11 – Nov 1 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 31 – Feb 11 | Oct 25 – Nov 15 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 4 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 18 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 11 | Oct 11 – Nov 1 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 22 – Dec 27 |
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 #2, CA weather station, 2 km away (elevation 46 ft (14 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
- Moss Landing Jan 28 · Dec 13
- San Juan Bautista Feb 19 · Dec 1
- Monterey Jan 3 · Dec 28
- Chualar Apr 14 · Nov 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Salinas, CA?
The median last spring frost in Salinas, CA is February 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 11, 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 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 18.
How long is the growing season in Salinas, CA?
About 305 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.