Frost Dates for Salinas, CA 93901

Salinas has 5 ZIP codes. The Salinas, CA frost page lists all of them with their dates.

Last spring frost January 22 · First fall frost December 10 · 322 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b

Frost probability for 93901

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)March 1January 22November 29
Fall (first frost)November 17December 10January 6

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (2.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Month by month in Salinas

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryLast frost around January 22. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
FebruaryFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
MarchSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
AprilHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
MayMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
JuneDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
JulyDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
NovemberFirst fall frost approaching (around December 10). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
DecemberFirst frost around December 10. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.

What grows in a 322-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Salinas, CA (ZIP 93901)?

The median last spring frost date for Salinas, CA (ZIP code 93901) is around January 22. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Salinas, CA?

The median first fall frost date for Salinas, CA is around December 10. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Salinas, CA?

The frost-free growing season in Salinas is about 322 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Salinas, CA?

Based on frost date patterns, Salinas falls approximately in 9b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Salinas, CA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around January 22). For Salinas, that's roughly November 27 to December 11. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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