Last frost date in Santa Cruz, CA
In Santa Cruz, the last spring frost comes around January 29 in an average year. Wait until February 28 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about December 13, which leaves 323 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 23 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Feb 28
- Average first frost
- Dec 13
- Frost-free season
- 323 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Jan 3
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2252°
- FriOct 2348°
- SatOct 2451°
- SunOct 2552°
- MonOct 2651°
- TueOct 2751°
Planting calendar for Santa Cruz
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 19–Mar 5
WatermelonFeb 15–Mar 1
Green beansFeb 15–Mar 8
ZucchiniFeb 15–Mar 1
OkraFeb 19–Mar 5
PeppersFeb 15–Mar 1
BasilFeb 15–Mar 1
Butternut squashFeb 15–Mar 1
CantaloupeFeb 15–Mar 1
EggplantFeb 15–Mar 1
PotatoesJan 1–Jan 15
OnionsDec 18–Jan 8
CarrotsJan 8–Feb 12
LettuceJan 15–Feb 5
BroccoliJan 1–Jan 15
BeetsJan 1–Feb 12
PeasDec 18–Jan 1
CabbageJan 1–Jan 15
RadishesDec 25–Feb 5
Brussels sproutsJan 15–Jan 29
SpinachDec 18–Jan 8
CilantroJan 15–Feb 5
KaleJan 1–Jan 15
Collard greensJan 1–Jan 15
TurnipsJan 1–Jan 15
DillJan 29–Feb 12
CeleryFeb 5–Feb 12
CauliflowerJan 15–Jan 29
LeeksJan 15–Jan 29
Swiss chardJan 15–Feb 12
ParsleyJan 15–Feb 5
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesJan 1–Jan 15
AsparagusJan 1–Jan 15Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Dec 25 | Jan 29 | Feb 28 | Nov 23 | Dec 13 | Jan 22 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 12 | Jan 3 | Jan 31 | Dec 6 | Dec 27 | Jan 27 |
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 Santa Cruz (USC00047916) sits 2.2 miles from the center of Santa Cruz at 70 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 Santa Cruz, CA?
The average last frost date in Santa Cruz is January 29, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after February 28.
When is the first frost in Santa Cruz?
The first frost in fall usually comes around December 13. One year in ten it arrives before November 23.
How long is the growing season in Santa Cruz?
About 323 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Santa Cruz?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 15 to March 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in California
- WatsonvilleJan 28
- Los GatosFeb 2
- SaratogaFeb 2
- CampbellFeb 2
- CupertinoJan 6
- Morgan HillFeb 24
- MarinaFeb 4
- GilroyFeb 24
- San JoseJan 2
- SeasideJan 2
- MontereyJan 1
- Santa ClaraJan 12