Frost dates for 94061 — Redwood City, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 6 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Redwood City compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Redwood City fall between December 12 and January 17. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 24, or the last frost as late as February 16.
- Compared with San Mateo, CA, 12 km away, the last frost here is 19 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 17 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 24 |
| 50% (median) | December 12 |
| 90% (late) | January 14 |
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
Redwood City, 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 Redwood City, CA weather station, 2 km away (elevation 30 ft (9 m)).
ZIP codes in Redwood City: 94061 94062 94063 94064 94065
Frost dates near Redwood City
- Atherton Jan 17 · Dec 12
- San Carlos Jan 17 · Dec 12
- Menlo Park Feb 25 · Nov 25
- Stanford Feb 1 · Dec 7
- Palo Alto Feb 1 · Dec 7
- Belmont Jan 17 · Dec 12
- Portola Valley Mar 21 · Dec 15
- San Mateo Dec 29 · Dec 26
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Redwood City, CA?
The median last spring frost in Redwood City, CA is January 17. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Redwood City, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 12, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 24.
How long is the growing season in Redwood City, CA?
About 329 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Redwood City, CA?
Redwood City, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.