Frost dates for 94556 — Moraga, 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 Moraga compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Moraga fall between January 1 and January 3. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 10, or the last frost as late as February 14.
- Compared with Walnut Creek, CA, 9 km away, the last frost here is 4 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 3 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 10 |
| 50% (median) | January 1 |
| 90% (late) | January 29 |
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
Moraga, 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 Berkeley, CA weather station, 12 km away (elevation 312 ft (95 m)).
ZIP codes in Moraga: 94556 94570 94575
Frost dates near Moraga
- Canyon Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Orinda Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Lafayette Jan 7 · Dec 19
- Alamo Mar 8 · Dec 22
- Walnut Creek Jan 7 · Dec 19
- Piedmont rare frost
- Oakland rare frost
- Pleasant Hill Jan 7 · Dec 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Moraga, CA?
The median last spring frost in Moraga, CA is January 3. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Moraga, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 10.
How long is the growing season in Moraga, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Moraga, CA?
Moraga, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.