Newark, 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 Newark compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Newark 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.
- Newark shares its weather station with Union City, 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 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
Newark, 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, 2 km away (elevation 39 ft (12 m)).
Frost dates near Newark
- Union City Jan 7 · Dec 22
- Fremont Jan 7 · Dec 22
- Alviso Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Hayward Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Sunol Feb 15 · Dec 2
- Palo Alto Feb 1 · Dec 7
- Milpitas Jan 12 · Dec 22
- Mountain View Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Stanford Feb 1 · Dec 7
- Atherton Jan 17 · Dec 12
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Newark, CA?
The median last spring frost in Newark, 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 Newark, 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 Newark, CA?
About 349 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Newark, CA?
Newark, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.