Frost dates for 94618 — Oakland, 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 Oakland compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Oakland 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.
- Nearby San Francisco, CA, 18 km away, rarely gets frost, a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
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
Oakland, 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, 4 km away (elevation 312 ft (95 m)).
ZIP codes in Oakland: 94601 94602 94603 94604 94605 94606 94607 94609 94610 94611 94612 94613 94614 94615 94617 94618 94619 94621 94622 94623 94624 94649 94659 94660 94661 94666
Frost dates near Oakland
- Piedmont rare frost
- Emeryville rare frost
- Berkeley Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Canyon Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Orinda Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Albany Jan 3 · Jan 1
- El Cerrito Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Alameda Jan 7 · Dec 23
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Oakland, CA?
The median last spring frost in Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Oakland, CA?
Oakland, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.