Frost dates for 93926Gonzales, CA
The average last spring frost in Gonzales 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
Safer after Mar 1 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Nov 21 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 44 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.
| 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 93926 is matched to the NOAA station Salinas Municipal Ap, CA, 26.2 km away, at 74 ft elevation (126 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 |
| Pinnacles Nm, CA | 1,307 ft | Apr 23 | Nov 3 |
| Paicines 4 W, CA | 905 ft | Apr 14 | Nov 2 |
| Carmel Valley, CA | 480 ft | Feb 20 | Dec 8 |
Frost dates near Gonzales
- Soledad, CA 93960 · last Feb 23, first Nov 22
- Chualar, CA 93925 · last Apr 14, first Nov 2
- Greenfield, CA 93927 · last Feb 23, first Nov 22
- Salinas, CA 93908 · last Feb 20, first Dec 8
- Spreckels, CA 93962 · last Feb 4, first Dec 6
- Carmel Valley, CA 93924 · last Feb 20, first Dec 8
- Tres Pinos, CA 95075 · last Apr 14, first Nov 2
- Seaside, CA 93955 · last Feb 20, first Dec 8
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Gonzales, CA?
- For ZIP code 93926, 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 Gonzales, 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 93926?
- 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.