Frost Dates for San Clemente, CA
In San Clemente, CA, the average last spring frost is around Jan 6 and the average first fall frost around Jan 2, for a growing season of about 365 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Feb 11, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Laguna Beach, CA weather station, 12 miles away, elevation 44 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 11 | Dec 12 |
| 20% | Jan 31 | Dec 23 |
| 30% | Jan 21 | Dec 28 |
| 40% | Jan 12 | Dec 31 |
| 50% | Jan 6 | Jan 2 |
| 60% | Jan 2 | Jan 6 |
| 70% | Dec 30 | Jan 12 |
| 80% | Dec 26 | Jan 25 |
| 90% | Dec 13 | Feb 8 |
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 30 | Dec 26 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 6 | Jan 2 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | — | — |
Planting calendar for San Clemente
Transplant Jan 13 – Jan 27
Transplant Jan 20 – Feb 3
Transplant Jan 20 – Feb 3
Transplant Jan 13 – Jan 27
Sow or transplant Jan 13 – Jan 27
Sow or transplant Jan 13 – Jan 27
Sow or transplant Jan 20 – Feb 3
Sow or transplant Dec 9 – Dec 23
Fall sowing Nov 7 – Dec 5
Fall sowing Nov 7 – Nov 28
Fall sowing Oct 24 – Nov 7
Sow or transplant Dec 9 – Dec 23
Fall sowing Oct 24 – Nov 21
Transplant Dec 23 – Jan 6
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Oct 24
Transplant Dec 16 – Dec 30
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Oct 24
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Oct 24
Fall sowing Nov 21 – Dec 12
Fall sowing Oct 24 – Nov 7
Plant Dec 9 – Dec 23
Based on the average last frost (Jan 6) and first frost (Jan 2). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.