Frost Dates for Santa Maria, CA
In Santa Maria, CA, the average last spring frost is around Feb 4 and the average first fall frost around Dec 13, for a growing season of about 315 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 16, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Santa Maria Public Airport, CA weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 242 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 16 | Nov 21 |
| 20% | Feb 27 | Nov 30 |
| 30% | Feb 18 | Dec 5 |
| 40% | Feb 11 | Dec 9 |
| 50% | Feb 4 | Dec 13 |
| 60% | Jan 28 | Dec 18 |
| 70% | Jan 19 | Dec 23 |
| 80% | Jan 8 | Dec 31 |
| 90% | Dec 29 | Jan 10 |
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 22 | Nov 25 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 4 | Dec 13 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 5 | Dec 27 |
Planting calendar for Santa Maria
Transplant Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant Feb 11 – Feb 25
Sow or transplant Feb 11 – Feb 25
Sow or transplant Feb 11 – Feb 25
Sow or transplant Feb 18 – Mar 4
Sow or transplant Jan 7 – Jan 21
Fall sowing Oct 18 – Nov 15
Fall sowing Oct 18 – Nov 8
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Oct 18
Sow or transplant Jan 7 – Jan 21
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Nov 1
Transplant Jan 21 – Feb 4
Fall sowing Sep 20 – Oct 4
Transplant Jan 14 – Jan 28
Fall sowing Sep 20 – Oct 4
Fall sowing Sep 20 – Oct 4
Fall sowing Nov 1 – Nov 22
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Oct 18
Plant Jan 7 – Jan 21
Based on the average last frost (Feb 4) and first frost (Dec 13). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.