Frost dates for 94541 — Hayward, CA
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 Hayward compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Hayward fall between December 25 and January 2. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 6, or the last frost as late as January 27.
- Compared with Fremont, CA, 15 km away, the last frost here is 5 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 6 |
| 50% (median) | December 25 |
| 90% (late) | January 20 |
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
Hayward, 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 Hayward Air Terminal, CA weather station, 3 km away (elevation 43 ft (13 m)).
ZIP codes in Hayward: 94540 94541 94542 94543 94544 94545 94557
Frost dates near Hayward
- San Lorenzo Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Castro Valley Jan 2 · Dec 25
- San Leandro Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Union City Jan 7 · Dec 22
- Fremont Jan 7 · Dec 22
- Dublin Feb 15 · Dec 2
- Moraga Mar 8 · Dec 22
- Newark Jan 7 · Dec 22
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Hayward, CA?
The median last spring frost in Hayward, CA is January 2. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 27, 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 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 6.
How long is the growing season in Hayward, CA?
About 357 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.