El Cerrito, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 1 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How El Cerrito compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in El Cerrito fall between January 1 and January 3. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 10, or the last frost as late as February 14.
- Compared with Richmond, CA, 5 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 3 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 10 |
| 50% (median) | January 1 |
| 90% (late) | January 29 |
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
El Cerrito, 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 Berkeley, CA weather station, 6 km away (elevation 312 ft (95 m)).
Frost dates near El Cerrito
- Albany Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Richmond Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Berkeley Jan 3 · Jan 1
- El Sobrante Jan 4 · Jan 2
- San Pablo Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Pinole Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Emeryville rare frost
- Hercules Jan 17 · Dec 27
- Orinda Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Piedmont rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in El Cerrito, CA?
The median last spring frost in El Cerrito, CA is January 3. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in El Cerrito, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 10.
How long is the growing season in El Cerrito, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is El Cerrito, CA?
El Cerrito, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.