Frost Dates for Monterey, CA
In Monterey, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 1 and the average first fall frost around Dec 30, for a growing season of about 365 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Jan 21, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Monterey, CA weather station, 1 mile away, elevation 260 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% | Jan 21 | Dec 7 |
| 20% | Jan 14 | Dec 13 |
| 30% | Jan 9 | Dec 21 |
| 40% | Jan 4 | Dec 26 |
| 50% | Jan 1 | Dec 30 |
| 60% | Dec 30 | Jan 3 |
| 70% | Dec 25 | Jan 6 |
| 80% | Dec 20 | Jan 11 |
| 90% | Dec 11 | 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) | Jan 19 | Dec 22 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 1 | Dec 30 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | — | — |
Planting calendar for Monterey
Transplant Jan 8 – Jan 22
Transplant Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Jan 8 – Jan 22
Sow or transplant Jan 8 – Jan 22
Sow or transplant Jan 8 – Jan 22
Sow or transplant Jan 15 – Jan 29
Sow or transplant Dec 4 – Dec 18
Fall sowing Nov 4 – Dec 2
Fall sowing Nov 4 – Nov 25
Fall sowing Oct 21 – Nov 4
Sow or transplant Dec 4 – Dec 18
Fall sowing Oct 21 – Nov 18
Transplant Dec 18 – Jan 1
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Oct 21
Transplant Dec 11 – Dec 25
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Oct 21
Fall sowing Oct 7 – Oct 21
Fall sowing Nov 18 – Dec 9
Fall sowing Oct 21 – Nov 4
Plant Dec 4 – Dec 18
Based on the average last frost (Jan 1) and first frost (Dec 30). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.