Last frost date in Salinas, California

January 29

Average last frost in spring. In an early year (1 in 10) it's over by December 18; in a late year (1 in 10) it comes after March 1.

December 10

Average first frost in fall. 1 year in 10 it comes by November 21.

A 32°F night happens here about 9 years in 10; in those years these are the usual dates.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Salinas Municipal AP (USW00023233), 2.3 miles from Salinas, elevation 74 ft. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. These are long-term averages, not a forecast.

What to plant now

Frost dates for Salinas, California
Early yearAverageLate year
Last frost in springDec 18Jan 29Mar 1
First frost in fallNov 21Dec 10Jan 15

Frost-free days in an average year: 325

Light frost, frost and hard freeze in Salinas
Chance in a yearAverage last in springAverage first in fall
Light frost (36°F)Every yearMar 9Nov 23
Frost (32°F)9 years in 10Jan 29Dec 10
Hard freeze (28°F)4 years in 10Dec 31Dec 25

Nights at 32°F or colder in an average year: 5.6

What to plant now in Salinas

Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), “Suburban and Farm Vegetable Gardens,” tables 4 and 5. How we match the table.

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