Frost Dates for Santa Paula, CA
In Santa Paula, CA, the average last spring frost is around Dec 31 and the average first fall frost around Dec 28, for a growing season of about 365 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Feb 2, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Camarillo Airport, CA weather station, 10 miles away, elevation 77 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 2 | Dec 7 |
| 20% | Jan 18 | Dec 13 |
| 30% | Jan 11 | Dec 17 |
| 40% | Jan 4 | Dec 22 |
| 50% | Dec 31 | Dec 28 |
| 60% | Dec 27 | Dec 31 |
| 70% | Dec 21 | Jan 4 |
| 80% | Dec 15 | Jan 12 |
| 90% | Dec 11 | Jan 29 |
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 1 | Dec 17 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Dec 31 | Dec 28 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | — | — |
Planting calendar for Santa Paula
Transplant Jan 7 – Jan 21
Transplant Jan 14 – Jan 28
Transplant Jan 14 – Jan 28
Transplant Jan 7 – Jan 21
Sow or transplant Jan 7 – Jan 21
Sow or transplant Jan 7 – Jan 21
Sow or transplant Jan 14 – Jan 28
Sow or transplant Dec 3 – Dec 17
Fall sowing Nov 2 – Nov 30
Fall sowing Nov 2 – Nov 23
Fall sowing Oct 19 – Nov 2
Sow or transplant Dec 3 – Dec 17
Fall sowing Oct 19 – Nov 16
Transplant Dec 17 – Dec 31
Fall sowing Oct 5 – Oct 19
Transplant Dec 10 – Dec 24
Fall sowing Oct 5 – Oct 19
Fall sowing Oct 5 – Oct 19
Fall sowing Nov 16 – Dec 7
Fall sowing Oct 19 – Nov 2
Plant Dec 3 – Dec 17
Based on the average last frost (Dec 31) and first frost (Dec 28). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.