Frost dates for 94304 — Palo Alto, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 14 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Palo Alto compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Palo Alto fall between December 7 and February 1. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 20, or the last frost as late as March 4.
- Compared with Redwood City, CA, 8 km away, the last frost here is 15 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 28 |
| 50% (median) | February 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 20 |
| 50% (median) | December 7 |
| 90% (late) | January 6 |
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 Palo Alto, CA
Frost dates for 94304 — Palo Alto, CA — last frost Feb 1, first frost Dec 7, 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 Palo Alto, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 9 – Nov 23 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 23 – Dec 7 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 23 – Dec 7 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Jan 4 – Feb 8 | Oct 12 – Nov 9 |
| Kale | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Broccoli | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | — | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Cabbage | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | — | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | — | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Okra | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — |
| Basil | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 21 – Jan 11 | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 21 – Jan 11 | Oct 12 – Nov 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 28 – Feb 8 | Oct 26 – Nov 16 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | Feb 15 – Feb 22 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 8 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 8 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 1 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 15 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 8 | Oct 12 – Nov 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 8 – Mar 1 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 15 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 23 – Dec 28 |
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 Palo Alto, CA weather station, 4 km away (elevation 26 ft (8 m)).
ZIP codes in Palo Alto: 94301 94302 94303 94304 94306 94309
Frost dates near Palo Alto
- Stanford Feb 1 · Dec 7
- Atherton Jan 17 · Dec 12
- Menlo Park Feb 25 · Nov 25
- Redwood City Jan 17 · Dec 12
- Portola Valley Mar 21 · Dec 15
- Los Altos Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Mountain View Jan 6 · Dec 23
- San Carlos Jan 17 · Dec 12
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Palo Alto, CA?
The median last spring frost in Palo Alto, CA is February 1. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Palo Alto, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 7, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 20.
How long is the growing season in Palo Alto, CA?
About 309 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Palo Alto, CA?
Palo Alto, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.