Frost Dates for Encinitas, CA
In Encinitas, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 5 and the average first fall frost around Jan 2, for a growing season of about 365 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Feb 1, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Rancho Bernardo, CA weather station, 11 miles away, elevation 690 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Feb 1 | Dec 13 |
| 20% | Jan 23 | Dec 21 |
| 30% | Jan 15 | Dec 28 |
| 40% | Jan 10 | Dec 31 |
| 50% | Jan 5 | Jan 2 |
| 60% | Jan 1 | Jan 5 |
| 70% | Dec 29 | Jan 11 |
| 80% | Dec 24 | Jan 18 |
| 90% | Dec 13 | Jan 31 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Jan 23 | Dec 23 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 5 | Jan 2 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | — | — |
Planting calendar for Encinitas
Transplant Jan 12 – Jan 26
Transplant Jan 19 – Feb 2
Transplant Jan 19 – Feb 2
Transplant Jan 12 – Jan 26
Sow or transplant Jan 12 – Jan 26
Sow or transplant Jan 12 – Jan 26
Sow or transplant Jan 19 – Feb 2
Sow or transplant Dec 8 – Dec 22
Fall sowing Nov 7 – Dec 5
Fall sowing Nov 7 – Nov 28
Fall sowing Oct 24 – Nov 7
Sow or transplant Dec 8 – Dec 22
Fall sowing Oct 24 – Nov 21
Transplant Dec 22 – Jan 5
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Oct 24
Transplant Dec 15 – Dec 29
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Oct 24
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Oct 24
Fall sowing Nov 21 – Dec 12
Fall sowing Oct 24 – Nov 7
Plant Dec 8 – Dec 22
Based on the average last frost (Jan 5) and first frost (Jan 2). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.