Frost dates for 95065 — Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Santa Cruz fall between December 13 and January 29. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 23, or the last frost as late as February 28.
- Compared with San Jose, CA, 36 km away, the last frost here is 27 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 25 |
| 50% (median) | January 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 28 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 23 |
| 50% (median) | December 13 |
| 90% (late) | January 22 |
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 Santa Cruz, CA
Frost dates for 95065 — Santa Cruz, CA — last frost Jan 29, first frost Dec 13, 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 Santa Cruz, 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 18 – Nov 15 |
| Kale | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Oct 4 – Oct 25 |
| Broccoli | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cabbage | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| 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 20 – Oct 11 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 18 – Jan 8 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 25 – Feb 5 | Nov 1 – Nov 22 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 19 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| 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 20 – Oct 4 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 8 – Jan 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 29 – Jan 3 |
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 Santa Cruz, CA weather station, 3 km away (elevation 69 ft (21 m)).
ZIP codes in Santa Cruz: 95060 95061 95062 95063 95064 95065
Frost dates near Santa Cruz
- Soquel Jan 29 · Dec 13
- Capitola Jan 29 · Dec 13
- Scotts Valley Mar 25 · Nov 11
- Mount Hermon Mar 25 · Nov 11
- Aptos Jan 29 · Dec 13
- Felton Mar 25 · Nov 11
- Ben Lomond Mar 25 · Nov 11
- Brookdale Mar 25 · Nov 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Santa Cruz, CA?
The median last spring frost in Santa Cruz, CA is January 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 28, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Santa Cruz, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 23.
How long is the growing season in Santa Cruz, CA?
About 318 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Santa Cruz, CA?
Santa Cruz, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.