When is the last frost in Aptos, CA?

For ZIP code 95003, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 31, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Watsonville Muni Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 9.

When is the first frost in Aptos, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 9. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 20, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 95003?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 317 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 95003Aptos, CA

The average last spring frost in Aptos is January 31 and the average first fall frost is December 9, giving a typical growing season of about 317 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 31
Average first fall frost: Dec 9
Growing season: 317 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 13 · Mar 17 · Apr 18	Nov 4 · Nov 22 · Dec 10	246 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 28 · Jan 31 · Mar 9	Nov 20 · Dec 9 · Jan 12	317 days	95%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 11 · Jan 3 · Jan 31	Dec 3 · Dec 25 · Jan 20	364 days	51%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 95003 is matched to the NOAA station Watsonville Muni Ap, CA, 10.3 km away, at 160 ft elevation (63 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Watsonville Muni Ap, CA (used)	160 ft	Jan 31	Dec 9
Santa Cruz, CA	70 ft	Jan 29	Dec 13
Watsonville Wtr Wks, CA	95 ft	Jan 28	Dec 13
Ben Lomond #4, CA	420 ft	Mar 25	Nov 11

Frost dates near Aptos

Aptos, CA 95001 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13
Capitola, CA 95010 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13
Soquel, CA 95073 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13
Freedom, CA 95019 · last Jan 28, first Dec 13
Scotts Valley, CA 95067 · last Mar 25, first Nov 11
Watsonville, CA 95077 · last Jan 28, first Dec 13
Mount Hermon, CA 95041 · last Mar 25, first Nov 11

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Aptos, CA?: For ZIP code 95003, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 31, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Watsonville Muni Ap, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 9.
When is the first frost in Aptos, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 9. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 20, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 95003?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 317 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.