Last frost date in Watsonville, CA
Expect the last frost in Watsonville around January 28. Frost after March 3 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about December 13, which leaves 324 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 25 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Mar 3
- Average first frost
- Dec 13
- Frost-free season
- 324 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Jan 2
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2252°
- FriOct 2346°
- SatOct 2449°
- SunOct 2551°
- MonOct 2650°
- TueOct 2750°
Planting calendar for Watsonville
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 18–Mar 4
WatermelonFeb 15–Mar 1
Green beansFeb 15–Mar 8
ZucchiniFeb 15–Mar 1
OkraFeb 18–Mar 4
PeppersFeb 15–Mar 1
BasilFeb 15–Mar 1
Butternut squashFeb 15–Mar 1
CantaloupeFeb 15–Mar 1
EggplantFeb 15–Mar 1
PotatoesDec 31–Jan 14
OnionsDec 17–Jan 7
CarrotsJan 7–Feb 11
LettuceJan 14–Feb 4
BroccoliDec 31–Jan 14
BeetsDec 31–Feb 11
PeasDec 17–Dec 31
CabbageDec 31–Jan 14
RadishesDec 24–Feb 4
Brussels sproutsJan 14–Jan 28
SpinachDec 17–Jan 7
CilantroJan 14–Feb 4
KaleDec 31–Jan 14
Collard greensDec 31–Jan 14
TurnipsDec 31–Jan 14
DillJan 28–Feb 11
CeleryFeb 4–Feb 11
CauliflowerJan 14–Jan 28
LeeksJan 14–Jan 28
Swiss chardJan 14–Feb 11
ParsleyJan 14–Feb 4
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesDec 31–Jan 14
AsparagusDec 31–Jan 14Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Dec 23 | Jan 28 | Mar 3 | Nov 25 | Dec 13 | Jan 15 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 13 | Jan 2 | Jan 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 26 | Jan 17 |
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 Watsonville Wtr Wks (USC00049473) sits 0.5 miles from the center of Watsonville at 95 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 Watsonville, CA?
The average last frost date in Watsonville is January 28, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after March 3.
When is the first frost in Watsonville?
The first frost in fall usually comes around December 13. One year in ten it arrives before November 25.
How long is the growing season in Watsonville?
About 324 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Watsonville?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 15 to March 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.