Frost dates for 95019Freedom, CA
The average last spring frost in Freedom is January 28 and the average first fall frost is December 13, giving a typical growing season of about 324 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Jan 28
- Average first fall frost
- Dec 13
- Growing season
- 324 days
Safer after Mar 3 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Nov 25 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 47 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 4 · Mar 15 · Apr 14 | Nov 8 · Nov 26 · Dec 12 | 252 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Dec 23 · Jan 28 · Mar 3 | Nov 25 · Dec 13 · Jan 15 | 324 days | 91% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Dec 13 · Jan 2 · Jan 30 | Dec 4 · Dec 26 · Jan 17 | 365 days | 38% |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 95019 is matched to the NOAA station Watsonville Wtr Wks, CA, 0.9 km away, at 95 ft elevation (23 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watsonville Wtr Wks, CA (used) | 95 ft | Jan 28 | Dec 13 |
| Watsonville Muni Ap, CA | 160 ft | Jan 31 | Dec 9 |
| Gilroy, CA | 194 ft | Feb 24 | Nov 27 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | 70 ft | Jan 29 | Dec 13 |
Frost dates near Freedom
- Watsonville, CA 95077 · last Jan 28, first Dec 13
- Aptos, CA 95003 · last Jan 31, first Dec 9
- Moss Landing, CA 95039 · last Jan 28, first Dec 13
- Aromas, CA 95004 · last Feb 19, first Dec 1
- Capitola, CA 95010 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13
- Soquel, CA 95073 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13
- Castroville, CA 95012 · last Feb 4, first Dec 6
- Santa Cruz, CA 95062 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Freedom, CA?
- For ZIP code 95019, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 28, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Watsonville Wtr Wks, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 3.
- When is the first frost in Freedom, CA?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 13. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 25, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 95019?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 324 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.