Frost Dates for Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Last spring frost January 10 · First fall frost December 2 · 326 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10b

Frost probability for 93101

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)February 18January 10—
Fall (first frost)November 18December 2—

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (12.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Santa Barbara, CA

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
93101January 10December 210b
93105January 10December 210a
93103January 10December 210b
93111January 10December 210a
93110January 10December 210b
93108January 10November 2310b
93109January 10December 210b
93106January 10December 210a

Month by month in Santa Barbara

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryLast frost around January 10. 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 2). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
DecemberFirst frost around December 2. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.

What grows in a 326-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Santa Barbara, CA (ZIP 93101)?

The median last spring frost date for Santa Barbara, CA (ZIP code 93101) is around January 10. 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 Santa Barbara, CA?

The median first fall frost date for Santa Barbara, CA is around December 2. 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 Santa Barbara, CA?

The frost-free growing season in Santa Barbara is about 326 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 Santa Barbara, CA?

Based on frost date patterns, Santa Barbara falls approximately in 10b. 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 Santa Barbara, CA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around January 10). For Santa Barbara, that's roughly November 15 to November 29. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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