When is the last frost in Monterey, CA?

For ZIP code 93940, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 2, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Monterey Peninsul Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after January 20.

When is the first frost in Monterey, CA?

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

How long is the growing season in 93940?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 363 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 93940Monterey, CA

The average last spring frost in Monterey is January 2 and the average first fall frost is December 23, giving a typical growing season of about 363 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 2
Average first fall frost: Dec 23
Growing season: 363 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)	Dec 27 · Jan 27 · Mar 11	Nov 18 · Dec 7 · Jan 3	316 days	97%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 6 · Jan 2 · Jan 20	Dec 1 · Dec 23 · Jan 12	363 days	53%
Hard freeze (28°F)	—	—	365 days	8%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 93940 is matched to the NOAA station Monterey Peninsul Ap, CA, 0.9 km away, at 165 ft elevation (117 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Monterey Peninsul Ap, CA (used)	165 ft	Jan 2	Dec 23
Monterey Wfo, CA	122 ft	Jan 3	Dec 28
Monterey, CA	260 ft	Jan 1	Dec 30
Carmel Valley, CA	480 ft	Feb 20	Dec 8

Frost dates near Monterey

Monterey, CA 93943 · last Jan 3, first Dec 28
Carmel, CA 93923 · last Jan 3, first Dec 28
Seaside, CA 93955 · last Feb 20, first Dec 8
Carmel By The Sea, CA 93921 · last Jan 1, first Dec 30
Pacific Grove, CA 93950 · last Jan 1, first Dec 30
Pebble Beach, CA 93953 · last Jan 1, first Dec 30
Marina, CA 93933 · last Feb 4, first Dec 6
Salinas, CA 93908 · last Feb 20, first Dec 8

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Monterey, CA?: For ZIP code 93940, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 2, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Monterey Peninsul Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after January 20.
When is the first frost in Monterey, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 23. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 1, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 93940?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 363 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.