Frost Dates for Gilroy, CA
In Gilroy, CA, the average last spring frost is around Feb 24 and the average first fall frost around Nov 27, for a growing season of about 277 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 4, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Gilroy, CA weather station, 1 mile away, elevation 194 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% | Apr 4 | Nov 10 |
| 20% | Mar 21 | Nov 16 |
| 30% | Mar 8 | Nov 20 |
| 40% | Mar 1 | Nov 23 |
| 50% | Feb 24 | Nov 27 |
| 60% | Feb 17 | Dec 1 |
| 70% | Feb 11 | Dec 4 |
| 80% | Feb 1 | Dec 9 |
| 90% | Jan 23 | Dec 18 |
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) | Apr 4 | Nov 10 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 24 | Nov 27 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 16 | Dec 12 |
Planting calendar for Gilroy
Transplant Mar 3 – Mar 17
Transplant Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Mar 3 – Mar 17
Sow or transplant Mar 3 – Mar 17
Sow or transplant Mar 3 – Mar 17
Sow or transplant Mar 10 – Mar 24
Sow or transplant Jan 27 – Feb 10
Fall sowing Oct 2 – Oct 30
Fall sowing Oct 2 – Oct 23
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 2
Sow or transplant Jan 27 – Feb 10
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 16
Transplant Feb 10 – Feb 24
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Sep 18
Transplant Feb 3 – Feb 17
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Sep 18
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Sep 18
Fall sowing Oct 16 – Nov 6
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 2
Plant Jan 27 – Feb 10
Based on the average last frost (Feb 24) and first frost (Nov 27). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.