Last frost date in Monterey, CA
In Monterey, the last spring frost comes around January 1 in an average year. Wait until January 21 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about December 30, which leaves 365 frost-free days. An early freeze before December 7 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Jan 21
- Average first frost
- Dec 30
- Frost-free season
- 365 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- rare
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2255°
- FriOct 2353°
- SatOct 2454°
- SunOct 2554°
- MonOct 2654°
- TueOct 2754°
Planting calendar for Monterey
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across California.
TomatoesFeb 15–Mar 1
PumpkinsFeb 15–Mar 1
SunflowersFeb 15–Mar 8
CucumbersFeb 22–Mar 1
CornFeb 15–Mar 1
Sweet potatoesFeb 15–Mar 1
WatermelonFeb 15–Mar 1
Green beansFeb 15–Mar 8
ZucchiniFeb 15–Mar 1
OkraFeb 15–Mar 1
PeppersFeb 15–Mar 1
BasilFeb 15–Mar 1
Butternut squashFeb 15–Mar 1
CantaloupeFeb 15–Mar 1
EggplantFeb 15–Mar 1
PotatoesDec 4–Dec 18
OnionsNov 20–Dec 11
CarrotsDec 11–Jan 15
LettuceDec 18–Jan 8
BroccoliDec 4–Dec 18
BeetsDec 4–Jan 15
PeasNov 20–Dec 4
CabbageDec 4–Dec 18
RadishesNov 27–Jan 8
Brussels sproutsDec 18–Jan 1
SpinachNov 20–Dec 11
CilantroDec 18–Jan 8
KaleDec 4–Dec 18
Collard greensDec 4–Dec 18
TurnipsDec 4–Dec 18
DillJan 1–Jan 15
CeleryJan 8–Jan 15
CauliflowerDec 18–Jan 1
LeeksDec 18–Jan 1
Swiss chardDec 18–Jan 15
ParsleyDec 18–Jan 8
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesDec 4–Dec 18
AsparagusDec 4–Dec 18Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Jan 21 | Dec 7 | Dec 30 | Jan 18 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Monterey (USC00045795) sits 1.5 miles from the center of Monterey at 260 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Monterey, CA?
The average last frost date in Monterey is January 1, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after January 21.
When is the first frost in Monterey?
The first frost in fall usually comes around December 30. One year in ten it arrives before December 7.
How long is the growing season in Monterey?
About 365 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Monterey?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 15 to March 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in California
- SeasideJan 2
- MarinaFeb 4
- SalinasJan 29
- WatsonvilleJan 28
- Santa CruzJan 29
- HollisterFeb 19
- GilroyFeb 24
- SoledadApr 23
- Morgan HillFeb 24
- GreenfieldFeb 23
- Los GatosFeb 2
- SaratogaFeb 2