Orinda, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 1 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Orinda compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Orinda fall between January 1 and January 3. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 10, or the last frost as late as February 14.
- Orinda shares its weather station with Berkeley, CA, 9 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 3 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 10 |
| 50% (median) | January 1 |
| 90% (late) | January 29 |
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
Orinda, 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 Berkeley, CA weather station, 8 km away (elevation 312 ft (95 m)).
Frost dates near Orinda
- Canyon Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Lafayette Jan 7 · Dec 19
- Piedmont rare frost
- Berkeley Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Walnut Creek Jan 7 · Dec 19
- Albany Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Emeryville rare frost
- Oakland rare frost
- El Cerrito Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Pleasant Hill Jan 7 · Dec 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Orinda, CA?
The median last spring frost in Orinda, CA is January 3. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Orinda, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 10.
How long is the growing season in Orinda, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Orinda, CA?
Orinda, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.