Alameda, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 3 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Alameda compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Alameda fall between December 23 and January 7. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 30, or the last frost as late as February 8.
- Nearby Oakland, CA, 5 km away, rarely gets frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 7 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 30 |
| 50% (median) | December 23 |
| 90% (late) | January 24 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Alameda, CA only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Oakland Metro Intl Ap, CA weather station, 5 km away (elevation 7 ft (2 m)).
ZIP codes in Alameda: 94501 94502
Frost dates near Alameda
- Oakland rare frost
- Piedmont rare frost
- Emeryville rare frost
- San Leandro Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Canyon Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Berkeley Jan 3 · Jan 1
- San Lorenzo Jan 2 · Dec 25
- San Francisco rare frost
- Brisbane Dec 29 · Dec 26
- Albany Jan 3 · Jan 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Alameda, CA?
The median last spring frost in Alameda, CA is January 7. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 8, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Alameda, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 23, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 30.
How long is the growing season in Alameda, CA?
About 350 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Alameda, CA?
Alameda, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.