Bodega, 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 Bodega compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Bodega fall between December 30 and January 29. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as March 17.
- Nearby Santa Rosa, CA, 25 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Feb 25), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 17 |
| 50% (median) | January 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 17 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 30 |
| 90% (late) | February 27 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Bodega, CA
Bodega, CA frost dates — last frost Jan 29, first frost Dec 30, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Bodega, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 6 – Nov 20 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 20 – Dec 4 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 20 – Dec 4 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Jan 1 – Feb 5 | Nov 4 – Dec 2 |
| Kale | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Oct 21 – Nov 11 |
| Broccoli | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Cabbage | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | — | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Okra | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — |
| Basil | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 18 – Jan 8 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 18 – Jan 8 | Nov 4 – Nov 25 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 25 – Feb 5 | Nov 18 – Dec 9 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 19 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Oct 14 – Oct 28 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 8 – Jan 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | Nov 4 – Nov 25 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | Oct 14 – Oct 28 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 16 – Jan 20 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Occidental, CA weather station, 4 km away (elevation 866 ft (264 m)).
Frost dates near Bodega
- Valley Ford Jan 29 · Dec 30
- Bodega Bay Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Occidental Jan 29 · Dec 30
- Camp Meeker Jan 29 · Dec 30
- Dillon Beach Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Graton Mar 20 · Nov 13
- Tomales Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Sebastopol Mar 20 · Nov 13
- Duncans Mills Jan 29 · Dec 30
- Monte Rio Jan 29 · Dec 30
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bodega, CA?
The median last spring frost in Bodega, CA is January 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 17, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bodega, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Bodega, CA?
About 335 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bodega, CA?
Bodega, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.