When is the last frost in Lompoc, CA?

For ZIP code 93438, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 20, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Lompoc, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 24.

When is the first frost in Lompoc, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 19. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 27, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 93438?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 335 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 93438Lompoc, CA

The average last spring frost in Lompoc is January 20 and the average first fall frost is December 19, giving a typical growing season of about 335 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 20
Average first fall frost: Dec 19
Growing season: 335 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	Jan 26 · Feb 28 · Apr 5	Nov 3 · Dec 1 · Dec 22	267 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 16 · Jan 20 · Feb 24	Nov 27 · Dec 19 · Jan 26	335 days	81%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 13 · Jan 1 · Jan 30	Dec 9 · Dec 29 · Jan 29	365 days	27%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 93438 is matched to the NOAA station Lompoc, CA, 1.7 km away, at 75 ft elevation (30 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Lompoc, CA (used)	75 ft	Jan 20	Dec 19
Santa Maria Public Ap, CA	242 ft	Feb 4	Dec 13
Twitchell Dam, CA	582 ft	Feb 4	Dec 4
Cachuma Lake, CA	789 ft	Apr 11	Nov 8

Frost dates near Lompoc

Lompoc, CA 93436 · last Jan 20, first Dec 19
Santa Maria, CA 93455 · last Feb 4, first Dec 4
Casmalia, CA 93429 · last Feb 4, first Dec 13
Buellton, CA 93427 · last Apr 11, first Nov 8
Los Alamos, CA 93440 · last Apr 11, first Nov 8
Solvang, CA 93463 · last Apr 11, first Nov 8
Los Olivos, CA 93441 · last Apr 11, first Nov 8
Santa Ynez, CA 93460 · last Apr 11, first Nov 8

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Lompoc, CA?: For ZIP code 93438, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 20, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Lompoc, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 24.
When is the first frost in Lompoc, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 19. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 27, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 93438?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 335 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.