Saratoga, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 13 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Saratoga compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Saratoga fall between December 6 and February 2. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 16, or the last frost as late as March 14.
- Compared with Cupertino, CA, 6 km away, the last frost here is 27 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 31 |
| 50% (median) | February 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 16 |
| 50% (median) | December 6 |
| 90% (late) | January 7 |
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 Saratoga, CA
Saratoga, CA frost dates — last frost Feb 2, first frost Dec 6, zone 9b. 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 Saratoga, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 10 – Nov 24 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 24 – Dec 8 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 24 – Dec 8 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Jan 5 – Feb 9 | Oct 11 – Nov 8 |
| Kale | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Sep 27 – Oct 18 |
| Broccoli | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | — | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Cabbage | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | — | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 8 – Dec 22 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | — | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Okra | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | — |
| Basil | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 22 – Jan 12 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 22 – Jan 12 | Oct 11 – Nov 1 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 29 – Feb 9 | Oct 25 – Nov 15 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Feb 23 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 5 – Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 9 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 9 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 2 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 19 – Feb 16 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 19 – Feb 9 | Oct 11 – Nov 1 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 9 – Mar 2 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 16 – Mar 9 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 22 – Dec 27 |
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 Los Gatos, CA weather station, 7 km away (elevation 364 ft (111 m)).
ZIP codes in Saratoga: 95070 95071
Frost dates near Saratoga
- Cupertino Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Campbell Feb 2 · Dec 6
- Los Gatos Feb 2 · Dec 6
- Santa Clara Jan 12 · Dec 22
- Sunnyvale Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Holy City Feb 2 · Dec 6
- Redwood Estates Feb 2 · Dec 6
- Los Altos Jan 6 · Dec 23
- San Jose Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Mountain View Jan 6 · Dec 23
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Saratoga, CA?
The median last spring frost in Saratoga, CA is February 2. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Saratoga, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 16.
How long is the growing season in Saratoga, CA?
About 307 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Saratoga, CA?
Saratoga, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.