Frost dates for 94540 — Hayward, CA
How Hayward compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Hayward falls between January 12 and March 13, a 60-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 16 and December 28.
- The median last frost is 44 days earlier than the California median of Mar 31.
- Its 290-day growing season is longer than 91% of the 636 California places with a regular frost season (state median 235 days).
- The last frost is 15 days earlier than the zone 10a median of Mar 2. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 10a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 13 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Nearby Fremont, CA, 13 km away, gets only light, occasional frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 12 |
| 50% (median) | February 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 16 |
| 50% (median) | December 2 |
| 90% (late) | December 28 |
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 Hayward, CA
Frost dates for 94540 — Hayward, CA — last frost Feb 15, first frost Dec 2, zone 10a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Hayward, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 23 – Dec 7 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Jan 18 – Feb 22 | Oct 7 – Nov 4 |
| Kale | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Broccoli | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Cabbage | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Okra | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | — |
| Basil | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Jan 4 – Jan 25 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 4 – Jan 25 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 22 | Oct 21 – Nov 11 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 18 – Jan 25 | Mar 1 – Mar 8 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Sep 16 – Sep 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 18 – Jan 25 | — | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 18 – Jan 25 | — | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 18 – Jan 25 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 25 – Feb 22 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 25 – Feb 22 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 25 – Feb 15 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 1 – Mar 1 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 1 – Feb 22 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 22 – Mar 15 | Sep 16 – Sep 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 1 – Mar 22 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 18 – Dec 23 |
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 Livermore, CA weather station, 10 km away (elevation 394 ft (120 m)).
ZIP codes in Hayward: 94540 94541 94542 94543 94544 94545 94557
Frost dates near Hayward
- Pleasanton Feb 15 · Dec 2
- Dublin Feb 15 · Dec 2
- Sunol Feb 15 · Dec 2
- San Ramon Feb 15 · Dec 2
- Castro Valley Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Fremont Jan 7 · Dec 22
- Livermore Feb 15 · Dec 2
- Union City Jan 7 · Dec 22
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Hayward, CA?
The median last spring frost in Hayward, CA is February 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 13, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Hayward, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 16.
How long is the growing season in Hayward, CA?
About 290 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Hayward, CA?
Hayward, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.