Last frost date in Santa Cruz, California
January 29
Average last frost in spring. In an early year (1 in 10) it's over by December 25; in a late year (1 in 10) it comes after February 28.
December 13
Average first frost in fall. 1 year in 10 it comes by November 23.
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 Santa Cruz (USC00047916), 2.2 miles from Santa Cruz, elevation 70 ft. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. These are long-term averages, not a forecast.
| Early year | Average | Late year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last frost in spring | Dec 25 | Jan 29 | Feb 28 |
| First frost in fall | Nov 23 | Dec 13 | Jan 22 |
Frost-free days in an average year: 323
| Chance in a year | Average last in spring | Average first in fall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Every year | Mar 14 | Nov 24 |
| Frost (32°F) | 9 years in 10 | Jan 29 | Dec 13 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | 4 years in 10 | Jan 3 | Dec 27 |
Nights at 32°F or colder in an average year: 5.7
What to plant now in Santa Cruz
- Swiss chardJune 1 – Dec 1Now
- Broccoli plantsAug 1 – Nov 1Now
- Brussels sprouts plantsAug 1 – Nov 1Now
- BeetsSept 1 – Dec 31Now
- Cabbage plantsSept 1 – Dec 31Now
- Celery and celeriac plantsSept 1 – Dec 31Now
- Chinese cabbageSept 1 – Nov 15Now
- Collards plantsSept 1 – Dec 31Now
- EndiveSept 1 – Dec 31Now
- Florence fennelSept 1 – Dec 1Now
- KaleSept 1 – Dec 31Now
- LeeksSept 1 – Nov 1Now
- Mustard greensSept 1 – Dec 1Now
- Onion seedSept 1 – Nov 1Now
- ParsnipsSept 1 – Dec 1Now
- SorrelSept 1 – Dec 15Now
- CarrotsSept 15 – Dec 1Now
- GarlicSept 15 – Nov 15Now
- Head lettuce plantsSept 15 – Dec 31Now
- KohlrabiSept 15 – Dec 31Now
- Leaf lettuceSept 15 – Dec 31Now
- ParsleySept 15 – Dec 31Now
- ShallotsSept 15 – Nov 1Now
- Corn saladOct 1 – Dec 31Now
- DandelionOct 1 – Dec 31Now
- Garden peasOct 1 – Dec 31Now
- Onion plants plantsOct 1 – Dec 31Now
- RutabagaOct 1 – Nov 15Now
- SpinachOct 1 – Dec 31Now
- TurnipsOct 1 – Dec 1Now
- Upland cressOct 1 – Dec 31Now
- Chervil and chivesNov 1 – Dec 31Soon
- Onion setsNov 1 – Dec 31Soon
- Spring planting calendar for an average last frost around January 30 Santa Cruz: January 29
- Fall planting calendar for an average first frost around December 10 Santa Cruz: December 13
Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), “Suburban and Farm Vegetable Gardens,” tables 4 and 5. How we match the table.
Nearby in California
- Scotts Valley 6 mi · last frost Mar 25
- Watsonville 15 mi · last frost Jan 28
- Campbell 22 mi · last frost Feb 2
- Marina 24 mi · last frost Feb 4
- Gilroy 25 mi · last frost Feb 24
Updated