Fairfield, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 8 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Fairfield compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Fairfield fall between December 14 and January 15. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 29, or the last frost as late as February 16.
- Compared with Vallejo, CA, 21 km away, the last frost here is 2 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 22 |
| 50% (median) | January 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 29 |
| 50% (median) | December 14 |
| 90% (late) | January 9 |
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
Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, CA weather station, 3 km away (elevation 39 ft (12 m)).
ZIP codes in Fairfield: 94533 94534
Frost dates near Fairfield
- Suisun City Jan 15 · Dec 14
- Travis Afb Jan 15 · Dec 14
- Vacaville Jan 31 · Dec 11
- American Canyon Mar 5 · Nov 21
- Elmira Feb 18 · Nov 28
- Napa Feb 12 · Dec 4
- Vallejo Jan 17 · Dec 27
- Benicia Jan 17 · Dec 27
- Birds Landing Jan 12 · Dec 19
- Port Costa Jan 17 · Dec 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fairfield, CA?
The median last spring frost in Fairfield, CA is January 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Fairfield, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 14, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 29.
How long is the growing season in Fairfield, CA?
About 333 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fairfield, CA?
Fairfield, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.