When is the last frost in Salinas, CA?

For ZIP code 93906, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 29, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Salinas Municipal Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 1.

When is the first frost in Salinas, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 10. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 21, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 93906?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 325 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 93906Salinas, CA

The average last spring frost in Salinas is January 29 and the average first fall frost is December 10, giving a typical growing season of about 325 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 29
Average first fall frost: Dec 10
Growing season: 325 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 2 · Mar 9 · Apr 8	Nov 4 · Nov 23 · Dec 14	257 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 18 · Jan 29 · Mar 1	Nov 21 · Dec 10 · Jan 15	325 days	90%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 6 · Dec 31 · Jan 31	Dec 1 · Dec 25 · Jan 20	365 days	36%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 93906 is matched to the NOAA station Salinas Municipal Ap, CA, 6.1 km away, at 74 ft elevation (21 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Salinas Municipal Ap, CA (used)	74 ft	Jan 29	Dec 10
Salinas #2, CA	45 ft	Feb 4	Dec 6
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
Castroville, CA 95012 · last Feb 4, first Dec 6
Marina, CA 93933 · last Feb 4, first Dec 6
Seaside, CA 93955 · last Feb 20, first Dec 8
Moss Landing, CA 95039 · last Jan 28, first Dec 13
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 · last Feb 19, first Dec 1
Aromas, CA 95004 · last Feb 19, first Dec 1

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Salinas, CA?: For ZIP code 93906, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 29, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Salinas Municipal Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 1.
When is the first frost in Salinas, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 10. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 21, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 93906?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 325 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.