Pittsburg, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 9 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Pittsburg compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Pittsburg fall between December 14 and January 9. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 28, or the last frost as late as February 12.
- Pittsburg shares its weather station with Concord, CA, 9 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 16 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 12 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 28 |
| 50% (median) | December 14 |
| 90% (late) | January 16 |
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
Pittsburg, 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 Buchanan Fld, CA weather station, 12 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
Frost dates near Pittsburg
- Concord Jan 9 · Dec 14
- Clayton Mar 8 · Dec 22
- Antioch Jan 12 · Dec 19
- Pleasant Hill Jan 7 · Dec 19
- Walnut Creek Jan 7 · Dec 19
- Birds Landing Jan 12 · Dec 19
- Oakley Jan 12 · Dec 19
- Diablo Mar 8 · Dec 22
- Alamo Mar 8 · Dec 22
- Martinez Feb 28 · Nov 22
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pittsburg, CA?
The median last spring frost in Pittsburg, CA is January 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 12, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Pittsburg, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 14, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 28.
How long is the growing season in Pittsburg, CA?
About 339 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pittsburg, CA?
Pittsburg, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.