When is the last frost in Big Sur, CA?

For ZIP code 93920, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 13, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Big Sur Stn, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 1.

When is the first frost in Big Sur, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 27. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 23, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 93920?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 323 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 93920Big Sur, CA

The average last spring frost in Big Sur is February 13 and the average first fall frost is December 27, giving a typical growing season of about 323 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Feb 13
Average first fall frost: Dec 27
Growing season: 323 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)	Mar 6 · Apr 13 · May 13	Oct 27 · Nov 28 · Dec 31	226 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 26 · Feb 13 · Apr 1	Nov 23 · Dec 27 · Feb 22	323 days	83%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 17 · Jan 25 · Mar 21	Dec 10 · Jan 6 · Mar 18	365 days	28%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 93920 is matched to the NOAA station Big Sur Stn, CA, 7.1 km away, at 200 ft elevation (1,368 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Big Sur Stn, CA (used)	200 ft	Feb 13	Dec 27
Carmel Valley, CA	480 ft	Feb 20	Dec 8
Monterey Peninsul Ap, CA	165 ft	Jan 2	Dec 23
Monterey Wfo, CA	122 ft	Jan 3	Dec 28

Frost dates near Big Sur

Carmel Valley, CA 93924 · last Feb 20, first Dec 8
Carmel, CA 93923 · last Jan 3, first Dec 28
Gonzales, CA 93926 · last Jan 29, first Dec 10
Soledad, CA 93960 · last Feb 23, first Nov 22
Monterey, CA 93940 · last Jan 2, first Dec 23
Salinas, CA 93908 · last Feb 20, first Dec 8
Carmel By The Sea, CA 93921 · last Jan 1, first Dec 30
Greenfield, CA 93927 · last Feb 23, first Nov 22

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Big Sur, CA?: For ZIP code 93920, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 13, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Big Sur Stn, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 1.
When is the first frost in Big Sur, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 27. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 23, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 93920?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 323 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.