El Sobrante, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How El Sobrante compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in El Sobrante fall between January 2 and January 4. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 11, or the last frost as late as January 26.
- El Sobrante shares its weather station with Richmond, CA, 6 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 11 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 90% (late) | January 22 |
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 Sobrante, 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 Richmond, CA weather station, 10 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
ZIP codes in El Sobrante: 94803 94820
Frost dates near El Sobrante
- Pinole Jan 4 · Jan 2
- San Pablo Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Hercules Jan 17 · Dec 27
- Richmond Jan 4 · Jan 2
- El Cerrito Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Rodeo Jan 17 · Dec 27
- Albany Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Crockett Jan 17 · Dec 27
- Berkeley Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Port Costa Jan 17 · Dec 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in El Sobrante, CA?
The median last spring frost in El Sobrante, CA is January 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in El Sobrante, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 11.
How long is the growing season in El Sobrante, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is El Sobrante, CA?
El Sobrante, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.