When is the last frost in Watsonville, CA?

For ZIP code 95076, 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 Watsonville, 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 95076?

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.

Frost dates for 95076Watsonville, CA

The average last spring frost in Watsonville 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

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 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 95076 is matched to the NOAA station Watsonville Wtr Wks, CA, 2.5 km away, at 95 ft elevation (62 ft higher 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 Watsonville

Watsonville, CA 95077 · last Jan 28, first Dec 13
Freedom, CA 95019 · last Jan 28, first Dec 13
Moss Landing, CA 95039 · last Jan 28, first Dec 13
Aromas, CA 95004 · last Feb 19, first Dec 1
Aptos, CA 95003 · last Jan 31, first Dec 9
Castroville, CA 95012 · last Feb 4, first Dec 6
Salinas, CA 93907 · last Jan 29, first Dec 10
Capitola, CA 95010 · last Jan 29, first Dec 13

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Watsonville, CA?: For ZIP code 95076, 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 Watsonville, 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 95076?: 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.