When is the last frost in Santa Cruz, CA?

For ZIP code 95063, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 29, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Santa Cruz, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 28.

When is the first frost in Santa Cruz, CA?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 13. 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 95063?

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 95063Santa Cruz, CA

The average last spring frost in Santa Cruz is January 29 and the average first fall frost is December 13, giving a typical growing season of about 323 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 29
Average first fall frost: Dec 13
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)	Feb 4 · Mar 14 · Apr 12	Nov 7 · Nov 24 · Dec 15	255 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 25 · Jan 29 · Feb 28	Nov 23 · Dec 13 · Jan 22	323 days	91%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 12 · Jan 3 · Jan 31	Dec 6 · Dec 27 · Jan 27	365 days	42%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 95063 is matched to the NOAA station Santa Cruz, CA, 1.3 km away, at 70 ft elevation (2 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

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

Frost dates near Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA 95062 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13
Capitola, CA 95010 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13
Soquel, CA 95073 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13
Scotts Valley, CA 95067 · last Mar 25, first Nov 11
Mount Hermon, CA 95041 · last Mar 25, first Nov 11
Aptos, CA 95001 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13
Felton, CA 95018 · last Mar 25, first Nov 11
Ben Lomond, CA 95005 · last Mar 25, first Nov 11

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Santa Cruz, CA?: For ZIP code 95063, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 29, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Santa Cruz, CA weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 28.
When is the first frost in Santa Cruz, CA?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 13. 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 95063?: 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.