Frost Dates for Salinas, CA
In Salinas, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 29 and the average first fall frost around Dec 10, for a growing season of about 325 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 1, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Salinas Municipal Airport, CA weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 74 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% | Mar 1 | Nov 21 |
| 20% | Feb 20 | Nov 28 |
| 30% | Feb 12 | Dec 2 |
| 40% | Feb 4 | Dec 5 |
| 50% | Jan 29 | Dec 10 |
| 60% | Jan 18 | Dec 14 |
| 70% | Jan 6 | Dec 21 |
| 80% | Dec 31 | Jan 1 |
| 90% | Dec 18 | 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) | Mar 9 | Nov 23 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 29 | Dec 10 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Dec 31 | Dec 25 |
Planting calendar for Salinas
Transplant Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant Feb 5 – Feb 19
Sow or transplant Feb 5 – Feb 19
Sow or transplant Feb 5 – Feb 19
Sow or transplant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Sow or transplant Jan 1 – Jan 15
Fall sowing Oct 15 – Nov 12
Fall sowing Oct 15 – Nov 5
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 15
Sow or transplant Jan 1 – Jan 15
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 29
Transplant Jan 15 – Jan 29
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 1
Transplant Jan 8 – Jan 22
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 1
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 1
Fall sowing Oct 29 – Nov 19
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 15
Plant Jan 1 – Jan 15
Based on the average last frost (Jan 29) and first frost (Dec 10). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.