Lafayette, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Lafayette compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Lafayette fall between December 19 and January 7. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as February 1.
- Lafayette shares its weather station with Walnut Creek, CA, 5 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 19 |
| 50% (median) | January 7 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 19 |
| 90% (late) | January 12 |
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
Lafayette, 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 Concord Wwtp, CA weather station, 10 km away (elevation 39 ft (12 m)).
Frost dates near Lafayette
- Walnut Creek Jan 7 · Dec 19
- Orinda Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Pleasant Hill Jan 7 · Dec 19
- Canyon Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Alamo Mar 8 · Dec 22
- Martinez Feb 28 · Nov 22
- Concord Jan 9 · Dec 14
- Piedmont rare frost
- Moraga Mar 8 · Dec 22
- Diablo Mar 8 · Dec 22
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lafayette, CA?
The median last spring frost in Lafayette, CA is January 7. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Lafayette, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Lafayette, CA?
About 346 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Lafayette, CA?
Lafayette, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.