When is the last frost in Pismo Beach, CA?

For ZIP code 93448, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 1, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Pismo Beach, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 13.

When is the first frost in Pismo Beach, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 4. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 8, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 93448?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 362 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 93448Pismo Beach, CA

The average last spring frost in Pismo Beach is February 1 and the average first fall frost is January 4, giving a typical growing season of about 362 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Feb 1
Average first fall frost: Jan 4
Growing season: 362 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 7 · Mar 1 · Apr 12	Nov 22 · Dec 14 · Jan 21	288 days	98%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 18 · Feb 1 · Mar 13	Dec 8 · Jan 4 · Feb 27	362 days	54%
Hard freeze (28°F)	—	—	365 days	7%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 93448 is matched to the NOAA station Pismo Beach, CA, 4.2 km away, at 39 ft elevation (17 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Pismo Beach, CA (used)	39 ft	Feb 1	Jan 4
San Luis Obispo Ap, CA	200 ft	Jan 31	Dec 11
San Luis Obispo Poly, CA	308 ft	Jan 16	Dec 25
Morro Bay Fire Dept, CA	118 ft	Jan 19	Jan 14

Frost dates near Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach, CA 93449 · last Jan 16, first Dec 25
Grover Beach, CA 93483 · last Feb 1, first Jan 4
Arroyo Grande, CA 93421 · last Feb 1, first Jan 4
Oceano, CA 93475 · last Feb 1, first Jan 4
San Luis Obispo, CA 93409 · last Jan 16, first Dec 25
Avila Beach, CA 93424 · last Feb 1, first Jan 4
Nipomo, CA 93444 · last Feb 4, first Dec 13
Guadalupe, CA 93434 · last Feb 4, first Dec 13

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Pismo Beach, CA?: For ZIP code 93448, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 1, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Pismo Beach, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 13.
When is the first frost in Pismo Beach, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 4. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 8, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 93448?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 362 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.