Last frost date in Vista, CA
In Vista, the last spring frost comes around January 30 in an average year. Wait until March 16 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about January 7, which leaves 365 frost-free days. An early freeze before December 14 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Mar 16
- Average first frost
- Jan 7
- Frost-free season
- 365 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Dec 30
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2259°
- FriOct 2356°
- SatOct 2458°
- SunOct 2560°
- MonOct 2660°
- TueOct 2760°
Planting calendar for Vista
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 20–Mar 6
WatermelonFeb 15–Mar 1
Green beansFeb 15–Mar 8
ZucchiniFeb 15–Mar 1
OkraFeb 20–Mar 6
PeppersFeb 15–Mar 1
BasilFeb 15–Mar 1
Butternut squashFeb 15–Mar 1
CantaloupeFeb 15–Mar 1
EggplantFeb 15–Mar 1
PotatoesJan 2–Jan 16
OnionsDec 19–Jan 9
CarrotsJan 9–Feb 13
LettuceJan 16–Feb 6
BroccoliJan 2–Jan 16
BeetsJan 2–Feb 13
PeasDec 19–Jan 2
CabbageJan 2–Jan 16
RadishesDec 26–Feb 6
Brussels sproutsJan 16–Jan 30
SpinachDec 19–Jan 9
CilantroJan 16–Feb 6
KaleJan 2–Jan 16
Collard greensJan 2–Jan 16
TurnipsJan 2–Jan 16
DillJan 30–Feb 13
CeleryFeb 6–Feb 13
CauliflowerJan 16–Jan 30
LeeksJan 16–Jan 30
Swiss chardJan 16–Feb 13
ParsleyJan 16–Feb 6
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesJan 2–Jan 16
AsparagusJan 2–Jan 16Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Dec 20 | Jan 30 | Mar 16 | Dec 14 | Jan 7 | Mar 14 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 14 | Dec 30 | Mar 16 | Dec 13 | Dec 30 | Mar 16 |
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 Vista (USC00049378) sits 3.2 miles from the center of Vista at 430 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 Vista, CA?
The average last frost date in Vista is January 30, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after March 16.
When is the first frost in Vista?
The first frost in fall usually comes around January 7. One year in ten it arrives before December 14.
How long is the growing season in Vista?
About 365 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Vista?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 15 to March 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.