Frost dates for 94621 — Oakland, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 3 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Oakland compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Oakland fall between December 23 and January 7. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 30, or the last frost as late as February 8.
- Nearby San Francisco, CA, 21 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 13 |
| 50% (median) | January 7 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 30 |
| 50% (median) | December 23 |
| 90% (late) | January 24 |
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 Oakland Metro Intl Ap, CA weather station, 5 km away (elevation 7 ft (2 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
- Alameda Jan 7 · Dec 23
- San Leandro Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Piedmont rare frost
- Canyon Jan 3 · Jan 1
- San Lorenzo Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Emeryville rare frost
- Castro Valley Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Orinda Jan 3 · Jan 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Oakland, CA?
The median last spring frost in Oakland, CA is January 7. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 8, 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 December 23, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 30.
How long is the growing season in Oakland, CA?
About 350 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.