Frost dates for 94712 — Berkeley, 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 Berkeley compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Berkeley 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 Oakland, CA, 9 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
Berkeley, 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, about 1 km away (elevation 312 ft (95 m)).
ZIP codes in Berkeley: 94701 94702 94703 94704 94705 94707 94708 94709 94710 94712 94720
Frost dates near Berkeley
- Albany Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Emeryville rare frost
- El Cerrito Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Piedmont rare frost
- Oakland rare frost
- Orinda Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Richmond Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Canyon Jan 3 · Jan 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Berkeley, CA?
The median last spring frost in Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.