Fremont, 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 Fremont compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Fremont fall between December 22 and January 7. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 2, or the last frost as late as February 7.
- Compared with San Jose, CA, 29 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 7 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 2 |
| 50% (median) | December 22 |
| 90% (late) | January 21 |
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
Fremont, 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 Fremont, CA weather station, 5 km away (elevation 39 ft (12 m)).
ZIP codes in Fremont: 94536 94537 94538 94539 94555
Frost dates near Fremont
- Newark Jan 7 · Dec 22
- Union City Jan 7 · Dec 22
- Sunol Feb 15 · Dec 2
- Hayward Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Pleasanton Feb 15 · Dec 2
- Alviso Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Dublin Feb 15 · Dec 2
- Castro Valley Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Milpitas Jan 12 · Dec 22
- San Lorenzo Jan 2 · Dec 25
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fremont, CA?
The median last spring frost in Fremont, CA is January 7. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Fremont, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 22, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 2.
How long is the growing season in Fremont, CA?
About 349 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fremont, CA?
Fremont, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.