Half Moon Bay, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 5 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Half Moon Bay compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Half Moon Bay fall between December 17 and February 6. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 25, or the last frost as late as March 25.
- Compared with San Mateo, CA, 14 km away, the last frost here is 39 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 17 |
| 50% (median) | February 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 25 |
| 50% (median) | December 17 |
| 90% (late) | February 13 |
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 Half Moon Bay, CA
Half Moon Bay, CA frost dates — last frost Feb 6, first frost Dec 17, zone 10a. 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 Half Moon Bay, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 14 – Nov 28 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 28 – Dec 12 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 28 – Dec 12 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 12 – Dec 26 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 12 – Dec 26 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 9 – Feb 13 | Oct 22 – Nov 19 |
| Kale | Dec 12 – Dec 26 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Oct 8 – Oct 29 |
| Broccoli | Dec 12 – Dec 26 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | — | Sep 10 – Oct 1 |
| Cabbage | Dec 12 – Dec 26 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | — | Sep 10 – Oct 1 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 12 – Dec 26 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | — | Sep 10 – Oct 1 |
| Okra | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | — |
| Basil | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 26 – Jan 16 | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 26 – Jan 16 | Oct 22 – Nov 12 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 2 – Feb 13 | Nov 5 – Nov 26 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 9 – Jan 16 | Feb 20 – Feb 27 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 9 – Jan 16 | — | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 9 – Jan 16 | — | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 9 – Jan 16 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 13 | Sep 24 – Oct 8 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 13 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 23 – Feb 20 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 23 – Feb 13 | Oct 22 – Nov 12 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 13 – Mar 6 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 20 – Mar 13 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 3 – Jan 7 |
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 Half Moon Bay, CA weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 26 ft (8 m)).
Frost dates near Half Moon Bay
- El Granada Feb 6 · Dec 17
- Moss Beach Jan 11 · Jan 10
- Montara Jan 11 · Jan 10
- Burlingame Dec 29 · Dec 26
- Millbrae Dec 29 · Dec 26
- Belmont Jan 17 · Dec 12
- San Mateo Dec 29 · Dec 26
- San Carlos Jan 17 · Dec 12
- Pacifica Jan 11 · Jan 10
- Redwood City Jan 17 · Dec 12
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Half Moon Bay, CA?
The median last spring frost in Half Moon Bay, CA is February 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 25, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Half Moon Bay, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 17, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 25.
How long is the growing season in Half Moon Bay, CA?
About 314 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Half Moon Bay, CA?
Half Moon Bay, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.