Frost Dates for Ventura, CA 93003

Last spring frost January 22 · First fall frost November 23 · 305 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10a

Frost probability for 93003

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 9January 22January 29
Fall (first frost)October 29November 23January 20

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (8.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Ventura, CA

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
93003January 22November 2310a
93001January 22November 2310a
93004January 22November 2310a

Month by month in Ventura

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.
OctoberFirst fall frost approaching (around November 23). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 23. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
DecemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.

What grows in a 305-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Ventura, CA (ZIP 93003)?

The median last spring frost date for Ventura, CA (ZIP code 93003) 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 Ventura, CA?

The median first fall frost date for Ventura, CA is around November 23. 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 Ventura, CA?

The frost-free growing season in Ventura is about 305 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 Ventura, CA?

Based on frost date patterns, Ventura falls approximately in 10a. 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 Ventura, CA?

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

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