Frost dates for Santa Maria, California
In a typical year, Santa Maria’s last spring frost lands around Feb 4 and the first fall frost around Dec 13, a growing season of about 312 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 9b.
Right now the growing season is open, with about 49 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Dec 29 | Nov 21 |
| 50 percent | Feb 4 | Dec 13 |
| 90 percent | Mar 16 | Jan 10 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in Santa Maria is typically around 61°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Santa Maria
- Radish (Cherry Belle)
- Spinach (Space)
- Lettuce (Black Seeded Simpson)
- Arugula (Astro)
- Mustard greens (Red Giant)
- Turnip (Hakurei)
- Bok choy (Toy Choi)
- Tatsoi (Tatsoi)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Santa Maria’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Santa Maria, California?
Santa Maria’s last spring frost falls around February 4 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by December 29, and one year in ten frost holds on until March 16. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Santa Maria?
The first fall frost arrives around December 13 in a typical year, as early as November 21 in an early year and as late as January 10 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Santa Maria?
About 312 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Santa Maria in?
Santa Maria is in USDA hardiness zone 9b under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.
Nearby cities
- Coalinga, CA (around Feb 14 to Nov 30)
- Bakersfield, CA (around Jan 31 to Dec 8)
- Oxnard, CA (around Dec 29 to Dec 24)
- Simi Valley, CA (around Jan 8 to Jan 1)
- Thousand Oaks, CA (around Jan 24 to Dec 15)
Row & Bed is a plant reference built around your garden: your zone, your frost dates, your forecast, and a cited page for every variety in your beds.
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