Tomales, 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 Tomales compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Tomales fall between December 31 and January 1. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 6, or the last frost as late as February 24.
- Nearby Petaluma, CA, 24 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Feb 28), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 8 |
| 50% (median) | January 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 6 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 90% (late) | February 22 |
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
Tomales, 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 Bodega 6 Wsw, CA weather station, 16 km away (elevation 62 ft (19 m)).
Frost dates near Tomales
- Dillon Beach Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Marshall Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Valley Ford Jan 29 · Dec 30
- Bodega Jan 29 · Dec 30
- Bodega Bay Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Inverness Jan 1 · Dec 31
- Sebastopol Mar 20 · Nov 13
- Occidental Jan 29 · Dec 30
- Camp Meeker Jan 29 · Dec 30
- Cotati Feb 28 · Nov 25
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tomales, CA?
The median last spring frost in Tomales, CA is January 1. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 24, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Tomales, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 6.
How long is the growing season in Tomales, CA?
About 364 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Tomales, CA?
Tomales, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.