Frost Dates for Oceanside, CA
In Oceanside, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 23 and the average first fall frost around Dec 11, for a growing season of about 325 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Feb 22, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Oceanside Muni Airport, CA weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 28 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 22 | Nov 21 |
| 20% | Feb 12 | Nov 27 |
| 30% | Feb 4 | Dec 1 |
| 40% | Jan 31 | Dec 6 |
| 50% | Jan 23 | Dec 11 |
| 60% | Jan 14 | Dec 15 |
| 70% | Jan 6 | Dec 20 |
| 80% | Dec 31 | Dec 29 |
| 90% | Dec 22 | Jan 15 |
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 27 | Nov 24 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 23 | Dec 11 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Dec 31 | Dec 23 |
Planting calendar for Oceanside
Transplant Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Jan 30 – Feb 13
Sow or transplant Jan 30 – Feb 13
Sow or transplant Jan 30 – Feb 13
Sow or transplant Feb 6 – Feb 20
Sow or transplant Dec 26 – Jan 9
Fall sowing Oct 16 – Nov 13
Fall sowing Oct 16 – Nov 6
Fall sowing Oct 2 – Oct 16
Sow or transplant Dec 26 – Jan 9
Fall sowing Oct 2 – Oct 30
Transplant Jan 9 – Jan 23
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 2
Transplant Jan 2 – Jan 16
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 2
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 2
Fall sowing Oct 30 – Nov 20
Fall sowing Oct 2 – Oct 16
Plant Dec 26 – Jan 9
Based on the average last frost (Jan 23) and first frost (Dec 11). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.