When is the last frost in Salinas, CA?

For ZIP code 93901, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 4, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Salinas #2, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 11.

When is the first frost in Salinas, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 6. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 18, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 93901?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 311 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 93901Salinas, CA

The average last spring frost in Salinas is February 4 and the average first fall frost is December 6, giving a typical growing season of about 311 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Feb 4
Average first fall frost: Dec 6
Growing season: 311 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)	Feb 18 · Mar 25 · Apr 18	Nov 3 · Nov 19 · Dec 7	238 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 25 · Feb 4 · Mar 11	Nov 18 · Dec 6 · Jan 5	311 days	96%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 5 · Dec 31 · Jan 28	Dec 1 · Dec 19 · Jan 14	364 days	50%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 93901 is matched to the NOAA station Salinas #2, CA, 1.1 km away, at 45 ft elevation (8 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Salinas #2, CA (used)	45 ft	Feb 4	Dec 6
Salinas Municipal Ap, CA	74 ft	Jan 29	Dec 10
Monterey Peninsul Ap, CA	165 ft	Jan 2	Dec 23
Monterey Wfo, CA	122 ft	Jan 3	Dec 28

Frost dates near Salinas

Salinas, CA 93902 · last Feb 4, first Dec 6
Spreckels, CA 93962 · last Feb 4, first Dec 6
Marina, CA 93933 · last Feb 4, first Dec 6
Seaside, CA 93955 · last Feb 20, first Dec 8
Castroville, CA 95012 · last Feb 4, first Dec 6
Monterey, CA 93940 · last Jan 2, first Dec 23
Moss Landing, CA 95039 · last Jan 28, first Dec 13
Carmel Valley, CA 93924 · last Feb 20, first Dec 8

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Salinas, CA?: For ZIP code 93901, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 4, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Salinas #2, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 11.
When is the first frost in Salinas, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 6. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 18, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 93901?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 311 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.