Frost Dates for Goleta, CA
In Goleta, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 11 and the average first fall frost around Dec 16, for a growing season of about 342 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Feb 13, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Santa Barbara Muni Airport, CA weather station, 1 mile away, elevation 9 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 13 | Dec 1 |
| 20% | Feb 2 | Dec 5 |
| 30% | Jan 28 | Dec 8 |
| 40% | Jan 19 | Dec 12 |
| 50% | Jan 11 | Dec 16 |
| 60% | Jan 4 | Dec 22 |
| 70% | Dec 31 | Dec 29 |
| 80% | Dec 25 | Jan 4 |
| 90% | Dec 14 | Jan 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) | Feb 13 | Dec 1 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 11 | Dec 16 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Dec 30 | Dec 26 |
Planting calendar for Goleta
Transplant Jan 18 – Feb 1
Transplant Jan 25 – Feb 8
Transplant Jan 25 – Feb 8
Transplant Jan 18 – Feb 1
Sow or transplant Jan 18 – Feb 1
Sow or transplant Jan 18 – Feb 1
Sow or transplant Jan 25 – Feb 8
Sow or transplant Dec 14 – Dec 28
Fall sowing Oct 21 – Nov 18
Fall sowing Oct 21 – Nov 11
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Oct 21
Sow or transplant Dec 14 – Dec 28
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Nov 4
Transplant Dec 28 – Jan 11
Fall sowing Sep 23 – Oct 7
Transplant Dec 21 – Jan 4
Fall sowing Sep 23 – Oct 7
Fall sowing Sep 23 – Oct 7
Fall sowing Nov 4 – Nov 25
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Oct 21
Plant Dec 14 – Dec 28
Based on the average last frost (Jan 11) and first frost (Dec 16). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.