Frost Dates for Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Santa Cruz has 4 ZIP codes. The Santa Cruz, CA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 11 · First fall frost December 10 · 302 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
Frost probability for 95065
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 24 | February 11 | December 18 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 6 | December 10 | January 16 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (22.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Santa Cruz
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| February | Last frost around February 11. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| March | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| April | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| May | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| June | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| July | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| August | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| September | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| October | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| November | First fall frost approaching (around December 10). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| December | First 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 302-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Santa Cruz, CA (ZIP 95065)?
The median last spring frost date for Santa Cruz, CA (ZIP code 95065) is around February 11. 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 Cruz, CA?
The median first fall frost date for Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, CA?
The frost-free growing season in Santa Cruz is about 302 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 Cruz, CA?
Based on frost date patterns, Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, CA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around February 11). For Santa Cruz, that's roughly December 17 to December 31. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (2.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Soquel, CA 95073 (3 mi)
- Frost dates for Aptos, CA 95003 (6.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (6.6 mi)
- Frost dates for Los Gatos, CA 95032 (12.6 mi)
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- Look up another ZIP